I’m not getting excited about Spring just yet. Meteorological Spring it may be but I’m going with astronomical Spring, when the sun moves up from the South, crosses the equator and shines some light on the North. And boy do we need it. I have potatoes chitting but I am waiting a few more weeks before the red onions go in, the soil is wet and cold. Yet, in spite of the continual rain, the garden creeps forward. Here’s six from the garden this week.
One
From the front garden, the best ever display of buds on the mahonia. I really must to pay attention to it when the buds open up.
Two
Last week Rosie Amber, fellow sixer, alerted me to the fact that forsythia was opening up and so too here.
Three
Bowed down by endless rain but having a go, a few cowslips have managed to not succumb to slugs.
Four
Also escaping for the moment are these white primulas, I like these and would love to see more of them.
Five
The area of the garden that was devastated by honey fungus will be interesting this year. Before I realised I had a honey fungus problem I replaced a large dying choisya with a viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum Mariesii. I hold my breath and wait to see if the fungus will insinuate itself around the viburnum. Such a shame if it does but for the moment these green leaves and early signs of flowers are treasured.
Six
Back to the front garden to finish on, the magnolia is in bud. I really hope the weather has turned a little drier by the time these buds open.
I have sown rocket seeds and taken the dahlias out of storage and potted them up. There are only a few tubers and they are quite small. Once again I state that I am not that mad about dahlias so this is my last throw of the dice with them. No more will be bought – I promise. Happy gardening and if it rains there is always Jim’s place to visit. A SOS haven.
n20gardener 
I also bought a viburnum plicatum last year which is in the garden but I don’t see the leaves appearing yet. So yours is a little ahead of mine : fingers crossed that it resists honey fungus ! Already dahlias in their pots!? I was thinking of waiting until the end of the month, but now I’m hesitant…
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Dahlias: In pots and in the greenhouse. I might be reckless but who knows.
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Tulip magnolias and forsythia are just beginning to bloom in my neighborhood.
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It is encouraging not that I really enjoy the forsythia!
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I’m glad that I reminded you about the Forsythia. Mine is coming along quite well after another week. The yellow flowers are so welcome on the dreary days.
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I love the mahonia. Not only for the yellow flowers but for the amber/green leaves. A contrast to the grey and dreary sky.
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No more spam for you!! Just watched Monty Don Spanish Gardens and wondered how different it might be to Portugal. Lots of Islamic influences.
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Yes, especially in the Algarve
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The words “honey fungus” are ones which all gardeners must dread, I’m crossing my fingers for your viburnum.
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Thank you. 🙏
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It was a shock. 😮
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You make me smile when you write about dahlias! I have similar feelings towards them, but like you I don’t seem to be able to stop the dahlia habit entirely. For me they create just another battle with the slugs!
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Fingers crossed for the Viburnum. How have you managed to keep the slugs and snails off of the Cowslips and Primulas? I wasn’t able to post my six this week but was going to show my totally munched Primroses
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It’s just chance. I think they were too busy elsewhere!
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That Forsythia looks like it will be a show. I hope your viburnum doesn’t succumb to the honey fungus. I made a similar vow regarding Dahilas. I’ve yet to check mine which are stored in pots under the swing seat. They’re lovely, but…
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Absolutely agree on dahlias!
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