Sunday safari

Empty snail shells dot the garden........I think Poppi may have had something to do with the location of this one.

' In a Unicorn's Garden' has inspired me. I am planning a flowery mead. Viola's will play a large part.

Lady's Modesty, Humility or Sweet Violets......

The violet has long been a symbol of modesty.

According to legend, the violet drooped its head in sadness when the shadow of the cross fell upon it.

I have waited two years for the white forsythia to bloom. The perfume is wonderful, suddenly two years does not seem like a long time.

Euphorbia amygdaloides Robbiae is a new addition to the garden. I am making many changes to the planting. I do so with hesitation......I am changing all that I am familiar with. Yet I feel excited because I have a clear picture in my mind.....but will the end result be as I would like? I remember someone saying to me many years ago....A garden should never stand still.

Daffs are in bloom all around the garden. Lifting ones spirit.....

Bumbles arrived today.......five queen bees visited the Mahonia. I know I have said it many times but I would not be without these shrubs in the garden. I have five in total, all placed in different situations. One is always in bloom......from November till April. Perfect for those waking bees.......

Thank you Liz for this wonderful book....'Dream Plants for the Natural Garden' by Henk Gerritsen and Piet Oudolf. I am dreaming of things to come. I am inspired........I am so looking forward to a long hot summer. I have much to do. How about you?? Happy Sunday safari....

Spring flowers and special thanks.......

It was good to be walking the gardens..........sunshine and 14C (59F). A virus for the last few weeks has left me tired and lacking enthusiasm. Hopefully I am now on the mend and can get out in the garden, I have much to do.

The first daffodil is always a joy...........the smaller varieties always a favourite of mine.

The one hellebore the rabbits did not eat is now in full bloom. I am hoping the others will come back in time, I have a feeling they will.

Primroses bring sweet memories. They take me back to Nannie and Gramps......their lovely orchard was covered in these pretty flowers.

I was pleasantly surprised to see many of the snowdrops still in bloom.......the hard winter appears to have extended their season.

Catkins are tossed in the breeze and always make a pretty scene.

And finally a thank you to Beckie and Rose. The birthday gifts are so appreciated, especially the bee pin and the purple prairie clover seeds. You are both kindness itself.

Also a thank you to Sherry. What can I say, such beautiful gifts. I am inspired by 'In a Unicorn's garden' (recreating the mystery and magic of medieval gardens.) I have many thoughts going around in my head and once better intend to make many changes in the garden. I can almost feel the sap rising.

I hope that you are all well and in the next few days will try and catch up with you and your lovely blogs........

Longing for Spring

The cold weather continues. The ground is frozen........I have achieved very little in the garden.

I need to see bees and bugs and things.

I need the sun on the back of my neck as I weed a border.

I need to hear the drone of a bumble.

I need colour.........

Blue skies would be nice, with a big yellow ball.

A fond farewell.........

The day started with blue skies and bird song. It felt like spring.

The old apple tree is being eaten from the inside out........from the hollow tumbles rich organic matter. Beneath her canopy is the perfect place for spring bulbs. I drove to the nursery early this morning and came back with dwarf iris, snowdrops, and miniature daffodils.

Last night Mr P and I lost a very dear friend. Keith had faced illness for most of his adult life. In and out of hospital, looking death in the face several times.

I never once heard him complain.

Instead Keith got on with life. He decided he would do something positive.....

Over the last two decades he has raised thousands and thousands of pounds for those less fortunate than himself.....
He was a bright and cheerful man, with a heart of gold.

The spring bulbs honour the man I am proud to call my friend. I know as each spring passes and the pretty blooms appear, I shall hear his laughter and remember the wonderful times we all had together.

Sleep peacefully my friend........

Update

Snowdrops appear at the darkest time of the year,

and insist that spring is coming.

I don't think so!!

Garden update......

I have spent the morning filling in holes. Holes in the lawn, holes in the borders and holes around the conifer trees. I am sure you realise that this damage is due to rabbits.

The frosts of the last two months have ended for the time being. Light rain today allowed me to walk the garden and look at the condition of the plants in the garden. The wisteria I am sure has seen its last bloom. The wood is brittle and there are no buds.....anyone who has a wisteria will know there should be buds galore at this time....

All the following plants have been eaten or damaged in some way......Pulmonaria

Viburnum Davidii.

Holly tree.

Foxgloves.

Primula vulgaris.
Hellebore buds have been badly damaged by mice.
Conifers. I can accept this damage and will sort it out given time. What saddens me is that most of the plants are early spring bloomers. They are my bee plants.. They supply the early spring risers with the nectar and pollen they need during the cold days of spring. My main reason for gardening is for the wildlife that lives here. Bees butterflies birds and bugs are my passion.

But it is not all doom and gloom. The following are doing well at the moment.

Arums are showing more and more of their lovely leaves.

White loosestrife.
Helleborus foetidus.
I am loving my ivy......

Pieris 'forest flame'

I planted Epemediums when I moved here. I adore these pretty plants and I have the perfect environment for them. Each year they are eaten. I have never seen them in flower. Mr P (darling man that he is) bought me two reproduction 'Victorian cloches'. Handmade from cast iron and glass they are just so pretty.

I can have them open during the day.......

and at night I can put their little roof on and keep those beastly bunnies out......

I really am so thrilled with these, they look absolutely gorgeous.....slightly rusting which in my book is perfect......

And finally, I am taking a blogging break....quite a long one actually. With a busy personal life.....an acre of land to sort out, and a huge rethink on the gardens I shall not be around for 4 - 6 weeks. I will visit my favourite blogs when I can and intend to stay in touch with those I call my friends.

And so I shall see you in the spring and hopefully be able to show you the garden in a different light.