Two of our most lovely wildflowers should be blooming about now. They grow in thousands upon thousands but only in a handful of places that suit them and which have survived to the present day.
 The Snake's-head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) likes well drained meadows which flood in winter. One such (and probably the most famous) is in the grounds of Magdalen College, Oxford. It's a glorious sight to behold.
 The Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) also likes areas that flood in winter but favours marshy wooded habitats which remain boggy throughout the year. Its stronghold is along the banks of the River Loddon in Berkshire where it is known locally as the Loddon Lilly.
 Like all wildflowers (and plants generally) peak flowering can vary by a week or two or more according to the kind of year we've been having. Both the photos above are taken from more extensive entries this time last year on April 17th. and 18th. so I'm contemplating making return visits in the next few days...