Spring Marker

In Japan it's the cherry blossom, and in Britain it's snowdrops.  There are certain flowers that mark the seasons and their appearance is noted every year. My own marker is Daphne mezeren (Tibast in Swedish). Like the snowdrops it often flowers before the snow has melted and in this way ensures interest from pollinators. There aren’t so many insects around at this time of year but there’s no competition from other flowers either!
Last year I blipped Daphne on the 25 March, the year before on the 15 April but then it was in full bloom.
It's poisonous and if handled can cause rashes on the skin. Eating it is apparently not good either.  I just look at it and blip it!