THE PLAGUE GARDEN

 Yup! We have it. The Covid has struck, even despite three jabs. I got it first then R so now it is my turn to be nurse. And we have been under siege all week with the cock pheasant attacking his reflection in all the low level windows. Tap, tap, tap and a quick messy deposit as he leaves.

All the blossom seems to be coming out all at once bar the apple tree, so I was praying for no frost - but no luck, three nights on the trot and I fear for the damsons.

This is the damson blossom but we have half a dozen trees or more.

The garden is neglected. 20 minutes of dead heading daffodils and we are exhausted.

Not much happening veg bed wise, not up to digging yet but the rhubarb is thriving - the bright stuff was under the forcing pot and was sweet and delicious. The only thing really thriving down there are the chives.

Here are a few pics to get out of the way - camellia, forget-me-nots, and cherry.

One thing about having a largish garden and a woodland area is that we can let wonderful wild plants flourish (though some can be a bit invasive like the bluebells.) These are already starting to flower - very early this year. Other wild plants are the daffodils, dandelions, wood anemone, primroses and the dog violets are everywhere this year

All this time the house plants keep going (with a little help) like the glorious aeoniums and our clivia, yet again in flower.

It is at times like this that one wonders where it all comes from? All winter there is so little happening and then whoosh! Flowers and new growth all around.

We have vases in all the downstairs rooms and halfway up the stairs. Our daughter's family come later this week but they do not know yet that they will be looking after us - (that is actually not true but sounded rather good.) (One can always hope?)

I am surprised at how much better I feel on a gluten free diet but do miss my cakes and biscuits and pies and . . . . . 😢