Almost a Snowdrop?

8th January

Yes, we are so close!! There is a new bud. It could be the first snowdrop and will mark the start of the flowering season of 2021. It should be in flower tomorrow. 

 

When I get out into the garden I find my spirits lift. The weather has been very cold during the past week, but I am excited at getting out and tidying the garden a little. I lways find some surprises when I crawl around pulling a weed or two and removing fallen twigs and leaves.

I have pots around the garden, but the plants they contain have not been planted by me. I always seem to have a pot with a buddlia ready to be passed on to friends. as with the grden I am reluctant to pull out weeds in case they turn out to be wild flowers!

Yesterday we took a 96 year old lady for her first dose of the COVID vaccine. Each dose is a step forward and this should be reflected by colour in the garden.

I only have a few photos this week - most I should reject because they are unclear, out of focus or should how messiness of the garden, but I have decided to show them. Perhaps they will encourage you because you are sure to able to do better.

I took some photos at the bird feeder using the trail camera. Even here the variety of birds caught on camera was small. During the week I have had goldfinches, long tailed tits and a wren who took advantage of the fact that the pond was very full to have a drink, but none appeared for their photo call!!

I did have a squirrel visit. He (or maybe she) looks like they have been in a fight because there is a significant gauge taken from her fur. It is unusual for me to be able to identify a particular animal. - Maybe I can observe her over the next few weeks.

The cyclamen is throwing out more flowers and the snapdragon is still in full bloom, despite Gardeners World telling me that it should stop flowering in October! No one has told mine!

Bulbs keep popping up everywhere. It is good to see the development each week and I look forward to the flowers. My front garden is usually full of colour in Spring - I m hoping for a spectcular show this year.

Keep Safe, with love and prayers,

Chris

A Time for reflection

8th December 2020

We have had a few cold days with temperatures here dropping to about zero. Today the first doses of vaccine are being administered in the UK. This is not simple, because the vaccine needs to be stored at -70°C - a lot lower than temperatures we are likely to find even at the coldest places on earth. However, this is a major breakthrough - and by Easter life might look and feel a lot brighter.

Some years ago I made a few visits to Lanzarote. On this island rain was a rarity. Much of the land was devoid of plants and even birds were not plentiful. However I noticed any flower and it took on a special beauty. At this time in the UK I experience a similar joy when I see a flower in bloom. I am glad to be forcing myself to go outside and search. Each day is different and I notice something new.

Perhaps this week is a time for reflection. The past few months have been difficult for everyone - though I have been much luckier than most. I enjoyed walks in the first lockdown - the peace because there was little traffic, clean air and birdsong. On the chimney we had two herring gulls hatch - perhaps not everyone's favourite bird, but they are so graceful in flight. A pair of house sparrows took up residence very nearby and when four chicks fledged they made their way to my feeding station and enjoyed the mealworms. The family is still together and visits regularly.

It is also a time for patience. we know that the Spring will come bringing colour to the gardens and brightness to our lives, but we cannot hurry it!

I am looking forward in anticipation. I am sure that my cyclamen will bridge the gap - providing flowers from now until the Spring bulbs take over. Bulbs are sending up shoots everywhere in my garden at the moment - they grow and multiply every day.

I am struck by the hardiness of some plants. In recent years moss has become a feature of my garden - especially around the ponds. It seems to thrive in the cold damp conditions at the moment. Even the lavender seems to be enjoying the weather.

I am looking forward to the next few weeks - I am sure it won't be long before I see the first snowdrop - maybe you have already found one! I hope you are able to enjoy some nature around you - even if it is only from a window.

With love and prayers,

Chris