February Cold

The February cold is slowing the growth of my February Gold miniature daffodils.   So I thought I would substitute a picture of my iris instead as mentioned in my previous blog. 

Snowdrops, a Site Check and Spring

Snow lay on the ground for several days preventing us from weeding, carting manure or other tasks.  Today, however, the weather changed subtly and the slow drips of the thaw could be heard.  Time for a site check.

Down on our most sheltered plot the primulas (see January entry), were still doing well.  So were my Iris Reticulata.  I was so glad to see these lovely purple miniatures as last year they did not flower at all.  Snowdrops, given by a customer, were also braving the slush, and the daffodils under the apple trees showing signs of brave trumpets to come.  In the grassy corridor that leads to one of the entrances little violets are re-emerging after strimming, weed-killing and goodness knows what else.  Bluebell leaves are piercing through the ground by the rambling rose that grows up and around the metal gate next to the substation. 

And later this week it is Valentine's Day when traditionally the birds chose their mates.  We saw a robin, of course, the pigeons, parakeets, magpies, crows that are so frequent; the flash of a jay and besides a sloe bush the tail of a wren bobbed for a moment before it hid itself in the undergrowth.

Flowers and birds ready themselves for Spring.  It is truly going to arrive.  We feel and see all around us its harbingers.