We have been trimming up hedges and ditches, chopping down unwanted trees, bushes and fallen branches and storing the wood for next winter. We are reshaping the climbing roses, and tying them up so that they bloom more beautifully and are safe from snapping in the spring winds.
We are deciding when to prune the others (my husband always says it should be the Grand National weekend) and also planning patterns and plants and where to put what, where.
I hardly dare mention the word Spring as the weather is so inclement but there have been the most spectacular swathes of snowdrops in gardens and along the roadsides.The polyanthus and daffodils are beginning to show their colours and the ducks on our pond are wandering around the garden making a dreadful mess trying to find worms, a place to nest and a suitable husband – in that order.They seem to waddle around in groups of three – two drakes to one duck –and they don’t give there favours lightly!
I was tempted to put out the large pot plants but didn’t, thank goodness as the weather became bitter.I also haven’t dared look at my poor banana trees and the datura which were covered and left in the garden over the coldest winter for 20 years. It will be a miracle if they are still alive.
Bumbleworld
Good for those ducks. I saw the first offspring of the year today. A bright yellow gosling from a couple of very aggressive geese patrolling the road as I headed to work. Haven’t seen any ducklings yet.