Green Shoots in Symi's Second Spring

It is raining again on Symi and all over Greece the winter growing season is now well underway.  October is like a second spring as rain combines with moderate temperatures and revives the island's flora and gardens from their summer dormancy.  October might not be a good month for beach goers but it is certainly an interesting one for botanists.

Scrubby oregano bushes turning from dusty bundles of twigs to soft green leaves.

A vivid display of bougainvillea in the lanes of Chorio.

The early rain is fattening the olives and these will soon be ready for picking.

Lupins punching their way up through the sun-baked earth.

The first cyclamen leaves. These will only flower after the winter solstice and remain in bloom until April.

And the first leaves of the little monks' cowl orchids