The warm days of early spring brought the ladybirds out of hibernation. After being tucked away in hollow tree stems and under bark for the chilly winter months, they emerged in groups to cluster in the sunshine and warm their wings.
The warmth of the sun's rays also brings the fairies out inspect to the early flowers of spring. They carry small collecting bags to gather pollen, which is stored in special containers beside Hill Top Pond and used as fragrant flavourings for food and drinks. The woods, track and wayside verges have blossom and flowers but the best place to gather pollen is from the Human Beans' village, especially the Secret Garden, although it best to go as early as possible, when the flowers are just opening out their petals for the light of the new day. Of course they do have to be extremely careful not to be spotted.
They also keep an eye (and an ear) open for the Queen Bumbles, the largest of the Humble Bumblebees, who also emerge from their winter sleeps when the air begins to warm and immediately start searching for suitable nesting places. The first fairy to spot the Queen Bumble has to invite her to dine with the Fairy Queen.
