Barry had helpfully obtained a booklet with historical and current information about the Fletcher Moss Gardens, providing points of interest to look at. We were also joined by Alan Hill - a key and enthusiastic member of the 'Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens', and he provided more information about the gardens and their development.
![Fletcher Moss Gardens](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4A8KIfv88cqmLxjUZTPNz5pYg2tmH6wn97Lp4L1pVLU2Z6ZpzrHCe0o7UnTySQnIvCteEPE6j-CNgcaKbhKmcSJMM3NTaNm6ADfy3dgaXdW_ApK5YORu7M-tBVPrl3rGX6P4kqbOagKO/s400/20170509-P1070983_6%2525.jpg) |
Fletcher Moss - Parsonage Gardens |
While the gardens were managed to provide a wonderful display of varied flora and trees, a few species were spotted that may have found their own way there. One such was Fringe Cups, a member of the saxifrage family. A few years ago, this seemed notable when spotted growing in the wild, but it now seems to be spreading quickly - we had seen in quite a few locations recently.
![Fringe Cups (Tellima grandiflora)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiamaX2Q5SyouavLjRVBr5qJ95ka57e5jy0SMlvThzEL0oGH9HasuoWEFhfWT8HFT8WkfzvzFcIJIz7TUFuNUuiIM15XsAgmZa48Ce1l3Gv72vCtmxOWHV_uF9gQ4J2wWDHkLeui2WhZI4/s400/20170509-P1070986_6%2525.jpg) |
Fringe Cups (Tellima grandiflora) |
![Fletcher Moss Gardens](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9vxu77RIDEneCYjPg9TFtk3lXJIleEP2xne5ISTxC7PzbgThwnHFlEluejrwnFWHL9iMDj7OB52CgTGfDdOGN8sLxcAiQGF8u6sZUusCljhyphenhyphenQTSKUzVUSdy8BuPV0DjVByw4Ed0bKr-3/s400/20170509-P1070988_6%2525.jpg) |
Fletcher Moss - Parsonage Gardens |
Something else that seemed to have found its own way here, and is now becoming more common is the Rose-ringed (or Ring-necked) Parakeet. It also brings controversy, particularly as it has been suggested that it may affect the populations of other birds which nest in holes in trees - by taking over such properties. However it is not yet clear how much they affect other species.
![Rose-ringed (or Ring-necked) Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC0KR_yjKQXBtVTCBPR0fFSQarHzMf10ojyJNXkWDJXb2GEK1V0UHyvscoQpK81J39-xVyhZb9Nm5W6XxHC8goKxn6bmRpwvDvWGiuAEo4sHTCr7cvwgbK-XeePkNH1v6_NQgqlXwv9ok/s400/20170509-P1070993_6%2525.jpg) |
Rose-ringed (or Ring-necked) Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) |
In some large lime trees near the entrance to Parsonage Gardens, large clumps of mistletoe can be seen. This is an unusual sight in the Greater Manchester area - we are aware of only about half a dozen sites in the area with mistletoe. Let us know if you find more.
![Mistletoe (Viscum album)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5SkhThBtaD7r1iTVP0M-sYQ82woxqIs0p2W4a5kQyoPvem8KXf8xEYEgQx_lxoejiy-BV0W-rsnAUstO5bdqh24bIgPUBJG6qWv3J_Gqh7XutW89w95FCD23NqSwkQ6rO7FxqjqErzkU/s400/20170509-P1080002_6%2525.jpg) |
Mistletoe (Viscum album) |
We spent much time in the 'formal' garden areas, although we were too late to see the fritillaries on full flower. We then took a short walk into the wilder areas of Stenner Woods and Millgate Fields. A Grasshopper Warbler had been reported but we did not manage to see or hear it. A Heron was mobbed by crows. Other plants noted include: Ladies Smock, Green Alkanet, Spring Beauty, Marsh Horsetail, Marsh Marigold, Great Bittercress, Lesser Stitchwort, Wood Stitchwort, Pick-a-back Plant (
Tolmiea menziesii - another member of the Saxifrage family), Three-cornered Leek, Pendulous Sedge, White Dead-nettle and Ramsons.
A very pleasant evening, with much of interest, both in the gardens and the wilder woodland.
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