Fern and Fungus in the Dells

I had started to think that the earth star fungi had disappeared from the meadow area next to Redhall Walled Garden in Craiglockart Dell, alongside the Water of Leith. So I was very happy to find these two (and about three others) under a tree today

There are many different types of earth stars apparently, I can't tell the difference but these are beautifully unusual fungi.

I was interested to see that Redhall Gardens (who manage the meadow area) seem to be planning to plant several more fruit trees (there's already several crab apple trees and a beautiful bird cherry tree, which true to its name seems to always be full of birds). Sadly though all the comfrey seems to have been dug up to allow for this planting. Bees and hoverflies love comfrey so hopefully it will grow back once the trees are established. And certainly it will be wonderful to have the extra trees!

It was lovely out there today, sunny and mild (though occasionally very windy). Lots of birds about, including magpies carrying twigs to their nest sites! Spring is definitely on the way.

Up in Colinton Dell, the harts tongue ferns, which grow profusely there are looking beautiful

If you look carefully you can see the lines of spores on the underside of their fronds.