It’s been quite grey up here in Lancashire. However, there is a corner in my kitchen that has a magic feel to it. Nine jars of homemade marmalade glowing like amber jewels. I had enough left to fill half a jar so rather than squirrel it away, we enjoyed it on hot buttered toast. We sat in the kitchen watching the birds feeding and two blue tits checking out the nest box. Spring is definitely in the air.
Last Saturday I spent the morning learning how to identify trees in winter at a wonderful course at Sheffield Botanical Gardens run by Guy Petherham. It was absolutely fascinating and has opened up a world I have never managed to access by books alone. I think I might get obsessed.
I’d really recommend it if you get the chance. It’s Guy Petherham Design and he does various courses in different locations. Lovely bits of history and folklore mixed into the course too.
To be honest, I haven’t done much this week. In bed with this rotten cold, coughing and having nice little sleeps. I did, however, cut some sarcococca from the plant by the back door and bring it into the house. The days are definitely longer.
It’s been cold cold cold in Hampshire with no sunshine worthy of the name ….but I can definitely see lots of brave bright green bulb shoots pushing through the sodden soil in my pots and troughs.
And yes Lia I think I am noticing a slight lengthening to the days. Optimism is what I’m trying to cultivate and this February it is proving a challenge 😂🌷
The sycamore at the bottom of the garden was host to a flock of gossiping redwings one day this week. It was a spirit lifter amongst a succession of rather dreary days. The beauty is in the small details in Winter, I think.
i havent seen many birds out and about in the garden but a Tawny owl has been calling from the Oak tree at the top of the garden on clear nights. Its a sign that spring must surely be on its way.
A friend gave me organic blood oranges from Sicily. They are thin-skinned, tender, sweet and refreshing and I shared them cut into crescents like after a netball match.
I was visited by a bold robin wanting a crumb of my fruitcake when I was sitting at a cafe by Frensham ponds. He was beautiful, perky, brave and determined to be noticed. His russet chest looked almost startling against the grey background that the day was providing.
While the sky has been grey and grim I've looked down and spotted snowdrops, a few crocuses and lots of other bulb shoots pushing their way up. Catkins in the hedges and millions of the tiniest blossom buds all over one hedge!
Two consecutive days of low grey skies and "wintry mix", layers and layers of clothing and the lights on all day indoors. But outside our first ever camassia is in flower, much earlier than expected (no witch hazel or sarcocca yet though)
I missed last weeks update as I had a poorly child last week then they swapped germs and the other was poorly this week 😂 My rhubarb shoots are showing as are my indoor chilli plant so I shall look forward to watching those. This week in the kitchen I've been making jam thumbprint cookies with my daughter for her brownie badge, she loves to bake and I'm more than happy to oblige
Wednesday was cloudy in Ayrshire, so I couldn't see the full moon, but I could feel her. Chilly winds, clusters of snowdrops appearing and sunrise on the way to work :)
This is my first time receiving the weekly email. I'm really enjoying reading The Almanac and also The Simple Things magazine this year. I am usually very negative about winter time, the cold and the dark etc but I am making an effort to "still go out in the rain". I've been enjoying feeding and watching the garden birds and noticing the snowdrops and crocuses starting to grow up through the grass.
Welcome Tara, I’m usually more upbeat, honest! But we like a good dose of reality here too and it’s a bit tough st the moment but yes, little delights are beginning to show themselves
I am out early most days with our dogs. The mornings are definitely getting lighter and I saw the first tiny blackthorn flowers among a mass of buds. The year is turning.
It’s been quite grey up here in Lancashire. However, there is a corner in my kitchen that has a magic feel to it. Nine jars of homemade marmalade glowing like amber jewels. I had enough left to fill half a jar so rather than squirrel it away, we enjoyed it on hot buttered toast. We sat in the kitchen watching the birds feeding and two blue tits checking out the nest box. Spring is definitely in the air.
Wonderful
What a beautiful image you conjure up Michele!
Last Saturday I spent the morning learning how to identify trees in winter at a wonderful course at Sheffield Botanical Gardens run by Guy Petherham. It was absolutely fascinating and has opened up a world I have never managed to access by books alone. I think I might get obsessed.
That sounds wonderful. I absolutely love winter trees or should I say trees in winter!
I’d really recommend it if you get the chance. It’s Guy Petherham Design and he does various courses in different locations. Lovely bits of history and folklore mixed into the course too.
I’ve seen the first crocus. Some deep purple flowers sprinkled among snowdrops and some paler purple in the churchyard.
Oooh
To be honest, I haven’t done much this week. In bed with this rotten cold, coughing and having nice little sleeps. I did, however, cut some sarcococca from the plant by the back door and bring it into the house. The days are definitely longer.
Must do the same. Get better soon.
Hope you're feeling better soon Helen :0)
Get well soon Helen x
It’s been cold cold cold in Hampshire with no sunshine worthy of the name ….but I can definitely see lots of brave bright green bulb shoots pushing through the sodden soil in my pots and troughs.
And yes Lia I think I am noticing a slight lengthening to the days. Optimism is what I’m trying to cultivate and this February it is proving a challenge 😂🌷
Well done, I’m struggling!
The sycamore at the bottom of the garden was host to a flock of gossiping redwings one day this week. It was a spirit lifter amongst a succession of rather dreary days. The beauty is in the small details in Winter, I think.
Definitely! I feel I cling to those little moments of aliveness! Your redwing experience sounds lovely :0)
i havent seen many birds out and about in the garden but a Tawny owl has been calling from the Oak tree at the top of the garden on clear nights. Its a sign that spring must surely be on its way.
A friend gave me organic blood oranges from Sicily. They are thin-skinned, tender, sweet and refreshing and I shared them cut into crescents like after a netball match.
Your description of them has made my mouth water 😋
I was visited by a bold robin wanting a crumb of my fruitcake when I was sitting at a cafe by Frensham ponds. He was beautiful, perky, brave and determined to be noticed. His russet chest looked almost startling against the grey background that the day was providing.
Those ponds are great for wildlife - you must be near me as we aren't far from there!
Spotting a little herd of deer in the fields, and a mini starling murmuration, little moments in the chill and murk of the week.
While the sky has been grey and grim I've looked down and spotted snowdrops, a few crocuses and lots of other bulb shoots pushing their way up. Catkins in the hedges and millions of the tiniest blossom buds all over one hedge!
Two consecutive days of low grey skies and "wintry mix", layers and layers of clothing and the lights on all day indoors. But outside our first ever camassia is in flower, much earlier than expected (no witch hazel or sarcocca yet though)
wow camassia already!!!
I missed last weeks update as I had a poorly child last week then they swapped germs and the other was poorly this week 😂 My rhubarb shoots are showing as are my indoor chilli plant so I shall look forward to watching those. This week in the kitchen I've been making jam thumbprint cookies with my daughter for her brownie badge, she loves to bake and I'm more than happy to oblige
Hope everyone’s better soon Laura x
Wednesday was cloudy in Ayrshire, so I couldn't see the full moon, but I could feel her. Chilly winds, clusters of snowdrops appearing and sunrise on the way to work :)
This is my first time receiving the weekly email. I'm really enjoying reading The Almanac and also The Simple Things magazine this year. I am usually very negative about winter time, the cold and the dark etc but I am making an effort to "still go out in the rain". I've been enjoying feeding and watching the garden birds and noticing the snowdrops and crocuses starting to grow up through the grass.
Welcome Tara, I’m usually more upbeat, honest! But we like a good dose of reality here too and it’s a bit tough st the moment but yes, little delights are beginning to show themselves
I am out early most days with our dogs. The mornings are definitely getting lighter and I saw the first tiny blackthorn flowers among a mass of buds. The year is turning.
I'm watching each dawn break earlier and each dusk delaying it's appearance. Something small to cherish every day.