Picking Bluebells

This spring I've been on "bloom watch." Keeping my eyes peeled for the latest buds and blossoms since each phase of spring can be fleeting. A couple of years ago we tried to go to a park known for its bluebell forests, in the peak time recommended to view them and all the bluebells were gone. We could see the trails and sad little stems where the bluebells ought to have been, but none of the intense blue bell-shaped buds we were hoping for. So, this year I've been checking the woods quite regularly. Not the parks well-known for their bluebells or even the regular footpaths, but rather I'm of course into a bit of wild wood where I managed to catch them at nearly their...