Spring Bulbs

Congratulations to Saint Roberts Roman Catholic Primary School, winners of the Spring Bulbs for Schools competition 2011.

They will be awarded a day trip to St Fagans: National History Museum for a fun-packed day of nature activities on the 25th of May.

Standards were very high this year and I was overwhelmed by the number of schools sending in records, so I would also like to congratulate the following schools.

Runner's up: These schools came very close to winning. Each will be sent a special prize with their certificates by the 3rd of May 2011.

Highly commended: These schools demonstrated excellent record keeping. All to be sent certificates and prizes by the 3rd of May 2011.

Special recognition: Is awarded to these schools. They will each receive Super Scientist Certificates together with a few seedlings by the 3rd of May 2011.

Not too late! If your school isn't listed here and you have some records to send in then please do so. You will receive recognition for your work.

Many thanks.

Professor Plant

Just one week left now for schools to send in their weather data. Many have done so already and are well on their way to receiving their super scientist certificates.

So far this week I've had 305 records sent in! The schools that have kept the best records will be put forward for selection for a chance to win a nature activity trip. The winner will be selected and announced next Thursday!

Flower reports have come in by now from all across Wales. I'm glad so many flowers have survived this cold winter. Some schools lost their daffodils to the frost - such a shame - but they will still receive their certificates for being such good scientists.

This year's mystery bulb is a tulip. I really like this one because it is so colorful.

On Sat the 2nd of April we are holding a nature activity day at St Fagans. Click the link and watch these short films about the bats and other fantastic animals living at St Fagans to find out more.

Hooray the daffs have arrived!

Reports from Ysgol Y Ffridd, Ysgol Nant Y Coed & Ysgol Cynfran. Mine too have opened and are as beautiful as ever.

See the charts and maps

I've taken some pictures. Please send in your pictures and don't forget to take part in the flower drawing competition. If you have half an hour of sunshine pop outside to do some sketches for your flowers.

See comments from schools below.

Many thanks

Professor Plant

As if by magic crocus flowers have sprung up all over Wales!

Many opened during the half term holidays, so we should receive a lot more records - now the pupils are back in school.

Unusually, this year the crocus has been reported in Mid Wales before being reported in West Wales. Good news for Ysgol Glantwymyn who normally have to wait the longest for their flowers.

Read my letter to find out how to win a trip and earn your super scientist certificates.

No reports of daffodils yet - but I'm sure we will have a few sightings soon.

My daffodils have started to tilt their heads in preparation to flower. The trees in my garden have started to flower and grow leaves, soon their will be lots of colour in my garden. I can't wait! Lots of signs of spring at St Fagans too.

Let me know how your flowers are doing?

Professor Plant

My 1st crocus has arrived! None reported from any schools yet, but I expect the reports to come flooding in this week.

Soon, lots of flowers will appear on the map - so you can watch exactly where the flowers are opening first.

Remember, crocus flowers open mid morning and close towards the end of the day. Download my investigation ideas to test this theory with your crocus flowers.

Don't miss your flowers! If by the end of this week your crocus hasn't opened - please take your pot home over half term. This way you can enjoy your flowers and show your family what you have been growing.

I've not received any questions this week but I've had reports of shoots from St. Mary's Catholic Primary School and St Joseph's R.C Primary.

Please send me pictures of your class with their flowers!

Professor Plant