We’ve had everything thrown at us this winter, wild winds for weeks on end, endless rain, hard frosts and even a light flurry or two of snow, something we rarely get.
There were even a couple of power cuts. The first occurred while we were shopping. It was somewhat surreal driving home in complete darkness. Everything was down, electricity, traffic lights, even our mobile phones. A friend had to leave the hairdressers with half a haircut! Thankfully we had the log burner and plenty of candles to fall back on.
Still, there are glimmers of spring now as the nights are gradually becoming longer and the first of the spring bulbs are emerging.
We’re even getting the occasional, fleeting glimpse of sun which lights the shrubs beautifully and lifts the spirits.
It’s wonderful seeing the winter shrubs in bloom, this witch hazel positively glows!
I still have my good old armageddon spuds in the ground and winter carrots, which although small are still utterly delicious.
Being in a crafty mood I decided to make an ornamental broom for my Apothecary using bamboo for the handle and yew, dogwood, bay, willow and rosemary for the brush. A little twine finished it off. I was rather pleased with it.
The snowdrops are popping up everywhere, such valiant little beauties. What a pleasure it is to see them.
And finally…
The flock of pigeons at the rescue.
Until next time, stay safe!
Hello, I popped over from Linda’s blog at A Rich Tapestry, and have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I will look forward to coming back.
Hi Denise, thanks for visiting.xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures.
It certainly seems to have been a long winter one way and another.
Lucky you still lifting carrots and potatoes. xx
Thanks Flighty. It’s always good to have fresh veg in the winter, the herbs are all going strong too so plenty of them for cooking.xxx
I will say, though, that the frost photos you’ve taken are just so beautiful. And the shrubs that bloomed as soon as a smidge of sunshine comes through are brilliant. That witch hazel is so quirky looking! Your ornamental broom must have some lovely fragrance.
Thanks Anne. I’m a fan of frost too, it’s so transforming.Quirky is a great word for witch hazel! The broom is beautifully fragrant, the scent hits me every time I walk in the Apothecary.xxx
What a topsy winter we have all had. Even in the throws of the darkness your greenery and gardens look so alive. I love the backyard apothecary and it definitely needs a witchy broom, lol.
Thanks AnneMarie. You have me laughing re the witchy broom comment!xxx
Hi
Just noticed your post – it’s been a long time since my last post and I have done a few posts this last week – trying to get back into blogging to try and keep my ancient mind alive and kicking – lovely to see how your garden is coming alive – the hope of spring just around the corner – I dont know if I’ll have the time to become fully involved with blogging yet – but thought I’d just pop in to say hello
Thanks Elaine. Lovely to hear from you and see you blogging again. Long may that continue.xxx
Hey there YOU ! .. Can you believe yesterday (Sunday) .. it went up to 15 degrees … now THAT is just not right and the poor birds are so confused .. let alone the squirrels !
WE are sliding back to cold again though so this was all just a TEASE … but there isn’t a lot of snow around here .. he Maritimes were hit very hard with snow and now rain is going their way.
So nice to see your snow drops .. remind me of Lily-of-the-valley .. white and green 😉
Take care and stay safe !
Joy
Thanks Joy. Your weather does sound topsy-turvy! Here’s to your true spring coming and you gardening again.xxx
Yes, we got a power cut here too, your poor friend having to leave the hairdressers only half done, I hope she got the other half finished off. It’s lovely to see the arrival of the snowdrops, spring can’t be too far away now, though we got quite a bit of snow last week so I don’t think that winter is completely done yet.
Thanks Jo. I hope you had plenty of candles during your power cut. There are more and more buds every day so spring can’t be far away.xxx
You always cheer me with your posts, full of burgeoning nature!
Thanks Gill. That’s lovely to hear.xxx
It has certainly been a wet and wild Winter. Power cuts didn’t happen here thank goodness and now Spring is on the way so that’s cheering. It’s good to hear veggies are being enjoyed and always great to see photos and hear your news.
Thanks Linda. It’s always good to be on the right side of winter, the nights are already lengthening.xxx
Goodness … you’ve certainly experienced all sorts of weather and a power cut too!!!
Isn’t it lovely to see the snowdrops and crocus coming through, our daffodils are doing well too.
I like the ornamental broom for your Apothecary.
Roll-on Spring.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. Yes, it’s always so cheering seeing the first spring blooms. Here’s to spring springing!xxx
The power cut sounds quite exciting, although I feel for your friend with half a haircut! The garden is indeed beginning to wake up and I’m looking forward to a bit more sun and a bit less rain! Your Witch Hazel is gorgeous; I saw some at the garden centre the other day; I might have to pay a return visit in the hope that one accidentally falls into my trolley! xx
Thanks Veggiemummy. I’m glad I didn’t end up with half a haircut! Here’s to a witch hazel falling into your trolley!xxx
Looks wonderful. So nice to see some flowers coming out.
Thanks Steph, good to hear from you.xxx
All looks gorgeous, but what an eventful and variable winter you’ve had!
It’s so lovely to see your witch hazel and snowdrops! And I envy you those sweet carrots.
I hope spring will come in with peace and fine weather for you! XO
Thanks Kitty. I do love seeing the first spring blooms coming through. Here’s to your spring too.xxxx
You can’t beat a homegrown carrot. Things are gradually waking up so it feels that we are on the right side if winter now
Thanks Sue. Yes we’re on the right side of winter for sure, here’s to so warmer weather.xxx