Due to the warm temperatures of the last few weeks, we now can enjoy early blossoms and bud formation in certain plants. One of the earliest ones are the yellow and red whitch hazel in our neighborhood. Most pink flowering Rhododendrons are already open. The fragrant sweet box I planted in pots in is scenting my driveway every time I pass by it. Unfortunately, some unwanted plants are growing at a speedy rate it seems, namely dandelions and other weeds!
Guiding my free Nature walk group last week Friday at Crescent beach, I expected the forecasted windy and wet day, to all our surprise it was a balmy 12 degrees and dry! We always discover something interesting, like different kinds of birds, plants, or new trails and together over the last few months I can see to my delight and excitement that my new Nature enthusiasts have become more aware of their surroundings and are eager to learn new things and share their knowledge as well. This small group includes a retired biology teacher and a (groundskeeper) for the Parks of the city of Surrey. We learn from each other! This day was very quiet at the beach, we came down from “1000” steps trail toward the unsightly metal pedestrian bridge that leads to the beach below is covered with Clematis already to bud! The invasive garlic mustard, a native to Europe and Asia ( Alliaria petiolate) already showing it’s dark green kidney shaped leaves along the shore below the railway tracks and yes it’s very tasty indeed. Add to a salad or in a sandwich, but beware, if you take a small plant home, this plant can monopolize a favourable spot in your garden. It self-fertilizes, by seed on second year’s growth via wind and human disturbance. Plant in pots only and nip those tiny inconspicuous flowers off or eat them as well! My motto “If you can’t beat them, eat them!