The British native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a common sight in spring in the Ancient woodlands throughout the land. Undisturbed for years the bulbs are well adapted to woodland life and carpet the woodland floor well before the trees come into leaf. Without leaves on the trees there is more light availiable which helps the plant complete it's natural perennial cycle. Sometimes known by the local name Auld man's bells, the bluebell of course, gets it's common name from the blue bell shaped flowers that hang from the stem.
In Ancient times when deep oak woods and forests were mystical places, the people of those times believed bluebells were synonymous with the fairies who lived there. Superstitions tell that if anyone wandered into a bluebell ring they would soon fall under the enchantment of the fairies and meet their death. Equally they believed that bluebells rang to summon the fairies to secret gatherings amongst the old oaks. Anyone it is said who heard a bluebells tiny chime would soon wither and die.
pictures (c) simon tinks davis : woodland bluebells in North Hampshire. All posts are archived bottom right of this page. To go to the homepage clickhttp://www.lifebetweentheflowers.blogspot.com/Your views are welcome, please say hello by leaving a message in comments below.
New tubers (bulbs) purchased from your garden supplier should be planted in reasonably well drained, moist, fertile soil at a depth of around 5cm (2 inches) They are happiest in more alkaline soils, although they will tolerate more acid conditions but the speed at which they naturalise and spread will be somewhat slower. 
The Crocus can withstand frosts which are still very likely during their flowering period here in North Hampshire. Even if light snow falls as it did this year the Crocus keeps going. There is a special reason for this however, their leaves and flowers are protected by a wax like cuticle.
Planted around the base of an old tree in the same or different colours and among snowdrops as we have at Lord and Lady Newbury's they make an effective show. Planting Crocus as with planting any bulb, depth depends on the size of the bulb you are planting. As a guide use the length of the bulb and plant 3 times deeper than that length and for Crocus approx 2.5cm apart in a random pattern. 
It is important that the boxes are put up in trees with a clear line of flight or outlook and therefore not to obscured by branches etc. Barn Owls tend to look for holes not boxes so making sure the hole is visible is worth remembering. Our boxes in two different styles look directly out onto the meadow. For more information on siting follow the link at the end of this post to the barn owl trust.
The Barn Owls main prey is the field vole and the best habitat for them ( and therefore barn owls) is rough tussocky grass with a deep litter layer. We have left several strips around the field margins for this purpose and it seems to be working well as we have already seen barn owls hunting these areas over the winter period.
We are very much looking forward to seeing our barn owls take up residence in their new homes and have families. On a warm summers evening there is nothing more majestic than seeing a barn owl glide silently across the meadow. To find out more about barn owls go to the barn owl trust by clicking here: 
Every twenty years or so the straw that is used to thatch the roof of this beautiful cottage has to be replaced, and right now in the chilly month of 
There is an interesting story that goes with this particular cottage. During The English Civil War between the Parliamentarian Armies of Oliver Cromwell (known as 
Usually there's plenty of time to enjoy some fine English Ale in the pub afterwards... To find out more about thatching go to The guild of straw craftsmen click:
