Along the very muddy path a the back of the Manor House a few Dog Violets poke up through the greenery. Their old Dorset name was Snake Violets, goodness knows why.
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| Dog Violets. Photo. John Elliott. Click to enlarge |
This is a very early date for this violet which is said to bloom in April to June. The uncommoner Pale Wood Violet, which is very similar, appears from March to May, so am I mis-identifying or are we seeing yet another indication of climate change, as with the Daffodils. When I first came to the village fifty years ago we were lucky if a few came out for St. David's Day. Now they have been out long enough to look a bit straggly. And another change, the Gypsies don't come and pick them anymore.
(Since writing the above I note that Durston Country Park have Dog Violets in bloom, also a month early)
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