Spring still waiting in the wings.

 It is 7.00 am and bitterly cold.   The wind is coming from an easterly direction, and a dusting of snow is on the ground.   I look at the rookery and notice that a nest is missing.

 As I walk to the back of the garden I notice the reflections in the pond.    No matter what time of year water always has something to offer.

Just as I thought one of the rooks nest has been blown from the trees during the night.   They have been building for several weeks now.    I like Rooks, I have learned to live alongside them.   They are highly intelligent, and do not really like human company but at this point we seem to get along ok :)

 I almost cannot bear to look at the bamboo.   Lush green a few weeks ago, now shrivelled and looking nothing like bamboo.    This has never happened in the garden before.   I believe some bamboo can recover, it is a waiting game.

 But in a garden there is always something to lift the spirit.    This pretty hellebore bloom is new to me, it most certainly put a smile on my face.

 You wouldn't think something so fragile looking would survive these harsh conditions.

 Our native primrose is in bloom.    I remember as a child walking with my father, my hand in his, talking about woodland plants.    It is a firm favourite of mine.

 Buckthorn is in flower.   Sadly I could not get any closer as the steps were covered in snow and ice.     

  Tete a tete is in small drifts all around the garden.   My favourite daffodil, small and neat, takes any amount of abuse and still comes up smiling.    Time to go inside, my fingers are frozen and my face chilled but none the less it was good to be outside and just enjoy all that is right with the garden.

Happy Sunday.