Sun and snow

The second Botanics blip meet happened on a cold sunny morning. 

@meles and D met me at the East Gate, and we walked through to the Gardeners Cottage, stopping frequently to spot birds enjoying the sunshine in the trees above us. Long tailed tits, gold finches, bull finches, redwing, chaffinch .. a treat to talk with and spot with knowledgeable bird people.  

Had hoped for snowdrops; there might have been some in the rock garden, but many paths were roped off since they were covered in snow. In extra, ice flowers on a rhododendron calostrotum. Walking back to the bus stop, we went down to the Water of Leith path through Summer Place and found some snowdrop spears. There's been a lot of maintenance work done there in the aftermath of the recent river rise. 

The next Botanics blipmeet is planned for the Third Tuesday in February, Feb 21st, 10.15 am at the East Gate. Let me know if you'd like an email invite/reminder.