MIDWINTER - OR IS IT?

Though it often feels like later - say in late January. Nevertheless it is the 21st of December and the shortest day here.

The garden is largely dormant but if one looks there are small surprises everywhere. Ferns like the harts-tongue and common polypody become noticeable in the hedge bankings and the ivy is at its best, ready to feed hungry birds.

There is red in the maple stems and on the breast of the Christmas Robin. In fact this year the Christmas cards we have received are mostly robins (and surprisingly hares.)

I strolled down to the village and on the wall amongst the moss were the leaves of the shining cranesbill glistening in the sun. 

And one hazel tree is full of nascent catkins waiting for the spring to shower us with gold dust. In dark corners bulbs are starting to push through  the compost, crocuses and snowdrops, daffodils and other narcissi.




Down by the veg beds the Brussels sprouts are waiting to be harvested for Christmas day lunch, now they have had some frost they will be all the sweeter (if you like sprouts)(not bad fried up with a little bacon)(unless you are a vegetarian)  and nearby the colour of the lichen on the rhubarb forcing pot glows in the sun.

 And I have dug the Seville oranges out of the freezer and made marmalade (as we had run out).

So, as this is the last blog before Christmas may I wish all of you a good time of the year whatever your creed or beliefs.
Time for a hot crumpet with melted butter and some of the marmalade - on second thoughts golden syrup, even better.