The sun shone from dawn until dusk. These are warm February days.
Winter aconite was introduced as a garden plant before 1600 and escaped into the wild. A lover of damp woodland, they suit this garden well.
Little bee spent an hour in one bloom and eventually fell asleep inside the flower. We are expecting a frost tonight. I covered the plant with a cloche. Not to protect it, to keep the bee snug and warm until morning :0)
Working in the garden today was an absolute pleasure. Temperature rose to 19C (68F).
Bird song filled the garden.
The Spring meadow beneath the old apple tree is stunning.
I am so pleased I added more bulbs to this area last autumn. I tend to forget what I have planted, so each day is a surprise........
I worked for eight hours in the garden today. I have spent all week cutting plants and shrubs back. Back breaking work but I always feel so pleased with myself when it is completed.
I saw four queen bees today feeding on the heathers. It is such a joy knowing that four bumblebee nests may be sited in the garden. The sap is rising and Nella has Spring fever....do you???
I look a
t the clock. It is 5.00 am. Mr P sleeps peacefully beside me, he has had a long hard week. He needs to rest. Sounds are muffled, I know the snow has arrived. Tick tock, tick tock. I look at the clock, it is 5.40 am. I wonder if I can creep from the bedroom without disturbing my weary husband. I walk across the floor trying to avoid the creaky boards.
I escape, rush downstairs, put my coat over my dressing gown. Scarf, hat, and wellies follow.
I let Nella out of her room and we both head for the garden. She rushes out ploughing up the snow with her long nose. She disappears into the distance and I head for the shed.
I start by clearing spaces for the birds to feed. I fill feeders and chop the scraps from the kitchen. I make sure there is water available. When the birds wake breakfast will be ready :)
I live and breathe wildlife. My mothers depression did not allow friends to visit when I was a child. My life was spent mainly with my brother and the flora and fauna that lived alongside us. It was never a problem, I was a happy little girl.......I have not changed much over the years, I am still the same happy little girl inside :)
I look at the tree house and think of my dear Grandchildren having fun in the snow today. Snowball fights with Mummy and perhaps a run through the woods that lie at the back of their house.
The birds arrive in large numbers and I am happy knowing the garden is a sanctuary for them.
Sweet robin sits and lets me take a photograph.....we are friends. I feed him insects when I dig the garden. I would be lost without this space. The garden is my church, a place where I can be me, no questions asked :)
Moss is often found in Japanese gardens. It brings softness to the space. I have always loved japanese moss gardens. Whilst reading a gardening magazine a few years ago I was captivated by the above image. My garden is full of moss due to the high water table, so I decided to try and create something similar to the above. I did not realise how long it would take for the moss to cover a small area.
It is slowly creeping, and I do mean slowly. I added a small piece of moss two years ago and this is the result. The two barrels that lie below the oak bucket are partially covered......the light was wrong today so I could not get a true photograph, so will post another time.
I am pleased with the effect.......hmmmmm, now all I need is a frog !!
