The garden has looked pretty dismal during January, either covered in snow or drenched with rain and puddles all over the bottom borders. I've often looked out of the house windows and thought the garden looked ok really (when there was no snow to hide it). But on closer inspection when the weather allowed me to get out and walk around, I could see how soggy the borders were and full of wet brown dead foliage. I know though that they will recover. All we need is some dry weather and the puddles drain away, the dead stuff dries up enough for me to clear them away and plants bounce back to life. In the past I've been concerned about the wet in the borders and if plants will survive, but in the damp borders are plants which love all that wet, so I know I will see them again.
There are signs of new life all over the garden. In the front garden, where I've planted most of the spring bulbs, I can see the green shoots of narcissi and crocus. The snowdrops are flowering now, I have to walk around to spot them though. They've only been there for the three years we have lived here and have not increased their numbers yet. It could be a long time, I think before I can see drifts of snowdrops from the house windows. But its nice to walk around and have these little surprises as new growth appears
In the back garden, the crab apple tree has delighted us with loads of bright orange/red fruit for months, but now the little apples have gone soggy. The birds are still not interested in the fruit, I don't know why. Perhaps I provide more interesting food on the bird table. Although the colour has now gone from this tree, walking round the garden down in the woodland border I can see that the witch hazel (hamamelis 'Jelena') is now in flower. This has lovely spidery, orange flowers. The contorted hazel has produced catkins, the hellebores have buds and look as if they will soon burst into flower and there are some little pink cyclamen under the silver birch.
Next to the crab apple tree there is a grass--miscanthus zebrinus which was given to me by my sister-in-law in a small pot about five or six years ago. I didn't plant it until we moved to this house and the first place I put it didn't seem to be the right place. Now it loves where it is in full sun with plenty of space and it has really taken off. It has turned straw like now, but has some lovely feathery plumes, so still has lots of interest. Next month it will be time to cut it down ready for the new growth, but until then I will continue to enjoy looking at it.
I am linking this post to Sarah's blog at 'Down By the Sea' for her monthly 'Through the Garden Gate' post.
I guess that it will take a fair while for the ground to dry up enough for planting. It's always good to see the first snowdrops.
ReplyDeleteYour witch hazel looks fantastic, I have never been able to grow them! It has been so wet here too, and I have just learnt that it has been the coldest January for years. Hopefully next month's garden will be full of the first bulbs! Thanks for joining in again this month. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteLike that colorful crab apple tree.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing that the birds don't like the crab apples. Good intentions not appreciated - but perhaps they don't taste right??
ReplyDeleteThe garden might look dismal but there is lots going on under the soil that you can't see and soon it will burst into life.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun feeding the birds. Mine have learned to sit in the trees waiting. When we walk back into the house, they are at the feeder before we can close the door.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why yours don't like the crabapples?
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Hello Margaret,
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, the garden in winter shows little signs of life. However, as you found, on close investigation, the signs of new life are there. How wonderful this is and so uplifting for the spirits.