Springtime - lambs and daffodils, longer days and mowing lawns, and here in Kerikeri, the addition of bluebells (albeit Spanish bluebells) flowering spectacularly in a soft blue haze beneath the bare grey branches of the beech trees. Like everything in nature the exact peak of flowering will vary from season to season, but the bluebells are generally flowering for about 4 - 5 weeks from early September to early October.
Opinions vary enormously over visitor's favourite seasons in the Woods
but every seaon brings its pleasures - Rolands Wood does not suffer from
the "winter drab". At this stage of the Wood's development the bluebell season probably wins the popularity stakes, and this may always be the case, but recent plantings will provide interest all year round.
Photos by David Welch
Newly planted maples with stems ranging from pink to firery red add their own drama and colour in winter months, and massed plantings will feature a range of colours - from bright orange red, through to creamy whites and pinks, which will be spectacular in a few years time. Hellebores, foxgloves, forget-me-nots, hollyhocks will add colour and drama, reminiscent of the English gardens that Roland loved.
