Today we have mainly stayed dry. First thing we had some sunshine but then it was largely grey. It really does feel like spring is arriving with the daffodils coming out and the birdsong.
Saturday
Spring and rain seem to be arriving in equal measures at the moment. Today I replaced three of the lavenders in the Magic Garden and added in a new Leucanthemum May Queen in the North section and a Bergenia Roblum. In the south section I planted a new white Hellebore, a named variety this time Helleborus ‘Christmas Carol’.
Bergena Rotblum
Leucanthemum May Queen
Helleborus Christmas Carol
Friday
Storm Otto doesn’t seem to have done too much damage in the Magic Garden. I have several pots horizontally inclined and the prayer flags are flapping loose but I don’t think anything is actually broken.
Thursday
Spring is definitely arriving in the Magic Garden. I sat enjoying the birdsong, watching Ben and appreciating my outdoor space.
My wee-est daffodils are smaller than their neighbouring snowdrops!
Tuesday
It was good to have an afternoon not working and the sun was out. The signs of spring are all around with the first of our daffodils out.
Ben reminded me that I need to do some maintenance work around the pond. I was relieved when he went to investigate the birds’ water as I wouldn’t put it past him to fall in the pond.
Sunday
Today has been cool & grey. Ben cat and I spent some time together in the Magic Garden today. I expanded a hole under the fence hoping that it might give hedgehogs a way back into the Magic Garden.
Saturday
I have had a lovely time in the Magic Garden today - mainly tidying up and watching the birds.
Friday
Its windy here again today so I’m pleasantly surprised to find my cloche still in place and indeed no more damage to the Magic Garden
Thursday
Its really windy again today but there are definite signs of spring with more of my little irises coming up as well as clumps of snowdrops. I put the broad beans out in the troughs but I suspect their cloche will not last long. Hopefully they will prove hardy enough in their own right for it not to matter
Wednesday
Another day not spent at home or in the Magic Garden.
Tuesday
Its back to being cold here and unfortunately I’m less than well. However I was pleased to find the first of the irises is out. I love these wee flowers and in my garden they are a real harbinger of spring arriving. Ben spent much of the day in but did make some expeditions down the Magic Garden to talk to the blackbirds.
Monday
At long last its getting light in the mornings! There was just a hint of sunshine when I left for work at 8.30
Sunday
I sat in the Magic Garden with Ben today having put things the right way up again. I also did a bit more sowing of seeds.
Saturday
Its less windy and unfortunately less mild too but there is still a feel of spring about the Magic Garden & Ben seemed to think so too
Friday
I had a long day at work so it was dark when I got home. Its mild & windy so Ben and I went out - I sat on the arbour chair while he inspected the garden.
Thursday 2nd February
Today is Candlemass - while now a Christian festival, in times past it was celebrated as the festival of light occurring on the day that marks the mid-point between the Winter Solstice & Spring Equinox. This is a time of optimism as the new shoots of spring are visible
Tuesday
It was cold and very windy today with stray showers coming through
Monday
Another day at work. I’ve submitted my bird list for the RSPB Big Birdwatch and was rather disappointed by how few I had this year. I have feeders up through the back of the garden and have quietly added more as the years have gone on.
Sunday
I did quite a bit in the Magic Garden. I tidied up the blue berry patch by the back door and moved the troughs around. I’ve planted French Tropadome garlic cloves in between the kale plants at the back. I also planted 3 pulmonaria under the apple tree - pulmonaria Pink Dawn, Sissinghurst White & Blue Ensign from right to left behind the tree. Ben cat kept an eye on both me and his beloved nip plants.
I am not sure how much I take note of the phase of the moon - it is currently waxing with the next full moon in a week. I think I understand that during this period I should not have planted the garlic as it is a root crop but on the other hand this is the end of January so if it does not grow I think I will blame that rather than the moon. It is though supposed to be a good time to start off plants that are leafy and above ground. I have sowed rudbeckia Rustic Dwarf mix today and will start some stevia too. I will though also be using the ‘sunlight’ lamp to substitute for the lack of light and windowsills available to me.
Saturday
Its been cold and bright here today. Going to the Post Office, I saw a lovely oriental hellebore & decided to treat myself and have added it to the winter patch. It is gorgeous and such a contrast of the simplicity of the white one already there.
