I went onto the estate this morning out to have a look at some of the spring flowers around the courses. Some of the most striking are the March Marigolds which grow in the marshy areas near the 3rd and 9th on the Blue. There seems to be a particularly good display this year
Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris [9th Blue]
Between the 6th and 16th on the Green course I came across Meadow Saxifrage. I can't believe how I have missed this in previous years and there are lots of obvious clusters of it here. Saxifrages are more commonly known as mountain species, but Meadow Saxifrage grows on unimproved grassland in the UK. There is one other Saxifrage that grows at Frilford in a more alpine environment on the main card park wall - Rue-leaved Saxifrage. This is not so easy to spot as it is a lot smaller.
A more conspicuous alpine plant, also growing of the wall of the car park is Fairy Foxgloves.
Fairy Foxglove Erinus alpinus [Car park]
One rather delicate flower that is all over the marshy areas of the course at this time of year is Cuckoo Flower, also known as Lady's Smock or Mayflower. This patch was on the 18th on the Red.
Headed out this morning for a walk around the Blue. Was hoping to see some migrant birds, but settled for some interesting flowers instead.
Field Pansies are delicate little flowers - it is well worth topping your drive short left off the 7th to have an excuse to look at them.
Field Pansy Viola arvensis [7th Blue]
Not too far away in the wood there is lots of Wood Sorrell. Just outside is Bugloss - A less spectacular relative of Viper's Bugloss that is common on the courses.
Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella [behind 6th Blue]
Bugloss Anchusa arvensis [6th Blue]
There is quite a lot of Cuckoo Flower (also known as Lady's Smock) around the damp areas of the Blue and Green at the moment. This patch was in the rough between the 8th and 11th on the Blue.
Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratensis [8th Blue]
There is lots of Springbeauty all over the waste areas of the course. It is actually an alien species introduced from North America in 1794. Apparently it is quite good in salads. Look out for the fleshy leaves anywhere that is sandy. This patch was on the 7th Blue.
Springbeauty Claytonia perfoliata [7th Blue]
I managed to find a better specimen of Heath Dog Violet on the 4th of the Green.
Heath Dog Violet Viola canina [4th Blue]
There were a couple of calling Woodpigeons when I got back to the car - they nest in the Leylandii around the chipping area.
