Flowers show their beauty

Lengthening days and warmer temperatures, up to 17C at times, are all helping nature to emerge from a long winter sleep, writes Donal Hickey

The greening of the countryside, with trees beginning to don their summer coats and wildflowers shooting up everywhere, has been noticeable in recent weeks. Lengthening days and warmer temperatures, up to 17C at times, are all helping nature to emerge from a long winter sleep.

First out was the yellow primrose, which can be seen in some places early in the year. Unsurprisingly, its Latin name is primula vulgaris (first flower). Bluebells, buttercups, and cowslips are also adorning the scene.