Spring Things

1. Reflections in raindrops on spiderwebs are upside down ​
2. Nursery web spiders (Dolomedes minor) are indigenous to Aotearoa NZ. They construct their web to house (nurse) their egg sac, which they have likely been carrying around for 5 weeks prior to this. The spiderlings hatch within a week or so & balloon off to new locations on a silky thread. 
3. Stick insects moult & if you're lucky, you get to see !

1. The Kahikatea we planted when our niece was born is now 12 years old & this year had cones . . . which means he's male.
2. The leaves of english walnut trees smell of pineapple & sage & lemongrass & citrus and in the warm late afternoon air, the smell sits in gorgeous little pockets that we walk in to & out of . . .
3. The flower of the Putaputaweta is tiny - this is the first time our tree has flowered. 

1. Yarrow - this rogue pink one is my favourite. 
2. Sun orchid - apparently 'common'. Every year it's a delight to see them. I remember when we only had 1!
3. Lesser stitchwort - my favourite dainty little star like flower. Stellaria graminea is her botanical name

They are all common. Some regard them as weeds.  I love them.

1. We have 2 plums on the tree this year. They have never before made it this far . . . 
2. Our tallest native tree starts as our tiniest & I cried (with joy) when I found her in the gully. 
3. Ruru at sunset sitting on stone sculptures will never get old.