Surprised like most of us in the UK to have such warm temperatures in February at the beginning of this week and surprised to find a few more plants in flower. I thought it was all looking a bit dull out there. I haven’t really got to grips with flowering shrubs and early spring bulbs for the garden yet. But all in good time. Here’s what surprised me this week:
One
I could have sworn that I didn’t have any early daffs, but this tiny group of ‘Tete a Tete’ have just sprung up under a rose bush. They must be a relic from past plantings and they look very well. I am persuaded to add them to my bulb order wish list.
Two
These cowslips are from own planting. They are in a sheltered corner and catch the morning sun. I think they have been lured out by this week’s warmth.
Three
The north facing border must also been catching a few sunny rays. The pulmonaria have opened up. I originally had them in a south facing border but they were uprooted in the autumn and moved to the dark depths of the other side of the garden. The slugs don’t seem to like them and I find their uncomplaining nature very agreeable!
Four
It’s a dangerous time to be out in the garden. The bulbs are all coming through so I really must be careful where I put my feet as I try to keep on top of the weeds and slugs. I’m also hoping there won’t be any casualties as a result of the dry summer weather. I didn’t really think about the bulbs when I was mean with the watering.
Five
From a distance the clematis looked like a tangled mass of dried up browness. Close up there was an impressive amount of new growth and it was quite clearly time for some pruning. Job done!
Six
I have another skip on site. For every project in the house there is the opportunity of sorting out something in the garden. It’s curtains for the BBQ and the spotted laurel. The laurel clearly got wind of its impending doom and put out some very attractive berries. But my mind is made up – not a frequent occurrence – and the laurel will be gone by the end of the month. The severely cracked BBQ has already been skipped and I have a larger seating area as a result. Now I need to choose a garden bench.
I have a long wish list of plants that I have come across from reading the SOSs that get posted every week. If you are looking for inspiration go to The Propagator for links to temptations for every season!