: Spring Bulbs

One week left...

Danielle Cowell, 25 March 2011

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.

 

 

Day of the daffs

Danielle Cowell, 14 March 2011

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

 

 

 

Hocus Crocus!

Danielle Cowell, 3 March 2011

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

First flower

Danielle Cowell, 11 February 2011

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

 

 

 

 

 

Spring shoots!

Danielle Cowell, 4 February 2011

Slowly, more and more schools are reporting shoot sightings! Cwm Glas Primary near Swansea have reported a few more shoots but still no sign at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School in Flint.

My daffodils are about 10cms tall now and my crocus have just popped through the soil. Even my mystery bulb is starting to grow and there are buds opening on my garden trees. A true sign that spring is coming!

Take a look at the pictures so you can be sure what bulbs you have growing. Send me some pictures of your shoots or how you collect your weather.

Watch your crocus very carefully now because once they start grow they can flower very quickly. As soon as they flower, send in your record so we can see on the map where the bulbs are opening first.

Competitions. Don't for get we have two fantastic competitions this year. The Daffodil Drawing Competition and the Win a trip competition. I've already recieved some very nice drawings from Bishops Childs Church in Wales School. I look forward to seeing some more from other schools soon...

Weather wise it's been very windy for most of us - so please check that your pots haven't fallen over.

Professor Plant