Patience is key with my sowing!
It never fails to surprise me just how resilient plants are. Despite a battering from recent storms, they manage to return to the upright position fairly quickly. Dwarf bamboo takes on a life of its own as it wafts in the wind. The wild weather didn't deter a flock of long tailed tits and a robin from gorging on fat balls in the garden. Ground feeding blackbirds benefited from the worms brought to the surface by the heavy rainfall.
I had to go to the allotment to inspect my 20-year-old shed to make sure it hadn't succumbed to the gales. Luckily it was fine, unlike some greenhouses nearby which had suffered some damage. It was good to see other hardy souls on the allotment and even the community recycling table had been replenished with some ceramic Bonsai dishes.
Indoor fragrance at the moment comes from some pretty pink hyacinths; the scent is intoxicating – amazing from just three bulbs.
Lighter mornings and slightly longer evenings remind me that spring is just around the corner. Although I’m longing to begin sowing seeds, past experience has taught me to be patient for a little while longer.
As the weather and my gardening haven't synchronised too well, I’m planning some garden visits and shows. These include visiting the ancient camellia collection at
Chiswick House, Chelsea Physic Garden and, in Northumberland, the Alnwick Garden and a much lesserknown, hidden gem at BideA-Wee Cottage Garden. It's definitely worth seeking out.