Up close and horticultural

This far north there aren't too many signs of Spring as yet. Although a visit to Abriachan Garden Nursery, on the northwest bank of Loch Ness, provided hope and exercise in equal measure as we clambered about its steeply-sloping wooded habitat.

Bud burst, redolent with latent symbolism

Genus Corydalis

Snowdrop, Genus Galanthus

Lungwort, Genus Pulmonaria

Witch Hazel, Genus Hamamelis

These flowers looked liked they were made of icing. The scent from this shrub wafted over a huge area, with us searching in ever-decreasing circles until we were stood beside it. The sign underneath informed us that it was a Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'

Genus Mahonia from below

Genus Primula (multiple warhead version)

Quirkiest moment of the day occurred when I was looking at Google Street View for the area. The little Pegman, who can be dragged and dropped onto a road in Satellite view to enable the Street View mode, isn't his normal self in these parts. In fact, he's a she, and rather more of a Loch Ness Monster.

Courtesy of Screenrant and Google Maps