The Beauty of British Springtime Flowers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Robin]Lisa Robin
The season of spring is one of the most exciting and dynamic seasons available for us to enjoy after the cold harsh winter months. The extreme weather, snow, blizzards and freezing temperatures we had to endure last winter have made the appearance of spring and the slightly milder climate all the more welcoming to us.
The hedgerows are springing to life and the woodland floors are becoming littered with beautiful, ethereal carpets of wild flowers that many do not get the chance to fully enjoy as their appearance is generally a fleeting one. The cycle of the appearance of woodland flowers is one to watch with great anticipation from the minute the snowdrops push through the cold January earth, the striking star shaped anemones, dog violets, celandine and the primroses till the appearance of the bluebells in January. You may not have heard of all these species of flowers but you would probably know them to see; celandine are named after the Greek word for swallow and have bright yellow flowers and dark green heart shaped leaves.
The fact that around this time of year the leaves on the deciduous trees have not yet fully returned there is enough sunlight allowed to stream through the gaps and warm the earth sufficiently for the blooming of these temporary British beauties. Although this process has been reported as being under threat with climate changes causing the trees to come into leaf earlier prohibiting the deliverance of the sun's light and heat to the canopy floor.
Since time memorial woodlands, seasons and certain species of flower have been associated with many different legends in folklore. For instance the primrose also known as the butter rose has been associated with the Norse god Freya and used symbolise the innocence of lost children. Strangely enough it has been told that is you keep chickens and you spot a single primrose growing nearby you have to dance around it three times to prevent the occurrence of bad eggs. You will also be glad to know that the placing of a primrose on the back step of your house will keep away and guard all of those inside from witches and warlocks. Better to be safe than sorry I always say.
Another British bloom synonymous with the arrival of spring is the British Bluebell, which has been in the news recently as it is under threat from a variety of factors. One, it is under threat from it's hardier Spanish cousin which was introduced to British shores in 1860 and is the species often grown in gardens. You can differentiate between the two varieties as the British bluebell is a deep violet blue with a distinctive sweet fragrance, the Spanish variety however has lighter flowers and almost no scent. The second factor which is threatening the future survival of the British bluebell is the mild weather we have experienced in February has caused them to come into bloom early in Devon and Cornwall; again environmental factors impact heavily on the flowers.
It is reported that 50% of the world population of Bluebells are to be found in the UK and the common bluebell is now a protected UK species. This is demonstrative to the nurturing and unique climate and habitat that the UK has to offer to these well loved species of flora. Long may it continue with the least amount of human intervention possible either with good or bad intentions, leave it up to nature and we can reap the benefits. [http://www.plantationflorist.co.uk/wedding-flowers.php]wedding flowers glasgow
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Beauty-of-British-Springtime-Flowers&id=6415033] The Beauty of British Springtime Flowers