I AM often asked whether spring is early this year. Certainly the fine warm weather has brought flowering times forward.

Walking in the countryside over Easter, I saw primroses, bluebells and ox eyed daisies all flowering together.

It is interesting to note that the St Mark’s Day fly has been seen in great numbers on the hills as well as else where in the country. This black fly is common on or around St Mark Day, April 25. The male has no mouth parts and just lives to breed. The males dance up and down to attract the females which are bigger and do have mouth parts, they eat pollen and are thought to help in the pollination of fruit trees. After breeding the females lay eggs and dies so the flies are only around for a few days.

IAN ROWAT.