Log fire...March 20th....oh please

This years weather has been chaotic to say the least. Spring arrived in February, bees and butterflies were about, in small numbers admitedly. Now its heading towards the end of March and I am lighting log fires. Its cold and wet outside and snow is expected at the weekend. I am in a muddle with this weather, but can you imagine how wildlife is coping. They must be so confused, the seasons are in such a state of chaos. Its okay for us we just snuggle up indoors, and wait for the changes. Would you fancy perching in a tree in March, freezing cold, and soaking wet!!!

Sad bit of news, one of our mallards was run over yesterday, I know I'm soft but it really upset me.

NOW IT'S SPRING.

Wild primroses.

As I drive along the lanes there are wild primroses everywhere. These are for me very much part of the English countryside. As I walked I wondered how long they had been there, isn't nature truly wonderful.

Bees and blue tits.

This bee was trying so hard to get into an unopened flower that I almost felt sorry for him.

He gave up eventually and...................

this cute little blue tit spent half an hour today taking bits and pieces from a hanging basket liner

obviously for nest building. He tugged and pulled, and pulled and tugged until he got the piece out that he wanted. I hope is keeps their chicks snug and warm.

RABBITS

This is just one of the rabbits that live in my copse. I inherited them when I moved here. I have to say they have caused me more difficulties with the garden than I ever imagined. Being of a passive nature and one who believes that we are all here for a purpose, I would not hurt them. I thought they would just eat the odd plant and dig the odd hole. Oh no, they can eat as if it is the last day of their life. They can dig holes that are so deep if I run across the lawn, I could easily sprain an ankle. They eat the roots of trees and shrubs, they love all new growth on plants. So it was a huge learning curve moving here. I have learned to leave the grass around my trees and shrubs so the rabbits can't get to the roots. I am now an expert on the plants that rabbits truly dislike. I have fenced, I have netted, and I must admit they have made me cry....when I plant I have nurtured for years disappears overnight when a rabbit has dug under the netting. The battle has been going on for six years, and I don't think it will end. They like living here, even with the dreaded Nella (the terrier). They have all they need and more. As for me I suppose it is another challenge in life, and the grandchildren think they are so cute...they also feed the garden with nitrogen (from their droppings). At the end of the day it isn't too bad, I can't believe I said that, perhaps older age makes you more tolerant!!!

MASON BEES.

A few of you have asked me to tell you about my bees. I will take you through the process as I deal with them but the following may interest those who are thinking of helping these lovely bees.

1. They do not sting, they are a passive bee.

2. You can buy units made of oak etc that can be leftout during the winter. If you buy the middle unit from The Oxford Bee Company, they must be kept in a cool shed during the autumn and winter months. The unit on the right was made by a friend using offcuts of wood and bamboo sticks.

3. The units when they go out in March must ALWAYS be put in a south facing sheltered position, this is important for the survival of the bees.

4. Mason bees only live for six weeks (approx). The male mates with the female and then spends the rest of his life basically having fun. Flying from flower to flower and resting in the sun. The female on the other hand spends her life laying her grubs in the tubes, she puts a supply of food for each bee and then seals the tube with mud. She is so exhausted at the end of her time that she becomes senile, and dies. A bit of a sad story and one to think about.

I will leave it at that for now, and continue when the bees go out.

If you have any questions just leave a comment and I will answer it there.

Hope its helpful.

Its still gloomy.

The gloomy weather is still with us. Grey skies seem to be hanging over us constantly. Its lucky that I don't suffer with SAD, because I would be in a serious state of depression. Instead I will work in the garden today cutting back the dogwoods and other large shrubs that need a bit of regeneration. We have another day of rain tomorrow and then they are saying the sun should come out again. Fingers crossed. Hope the sun is shining on you all and have a fun weekend.