FIRST BLOG OF 2023

First blog of the year, so all the best to everyone for 2023, not much gardening going on, so wet best to stay off it, new spring in lawn by hanky tree (Davidia), pools on paths, cold (but not like USA and Canada) just wet, dark, grey, 3.5C and dismal.

How I love this time of year! Hey nonny no.

Last blog or so mentioned planting Christmas tree in garden. Our previous owner Tom did this and now they are a bit big for the living room. Our tree is a fake spruce from the attic decorated beautifully by our granddaughter.

Actually sometimes we can actually see the sun but mostly it is like today at the moment.

Though, looking at the two images, sunny and wet, there is not a lot of difference.

One of the trees blown down by storm Arwen was sawn off. I have counted the rings and there are 38 so the ash tree started growing in about 1984. It is interesting how the core of the tree has resisted the fungal invasion since this time last year.

The birds like leaves on Winterwood sing hopeful songs on dismal days etc etc except not much bird song but a buzzard mewing. If it rains any more I will have to get boots with webbed feet or something, waterproofed as well.

Last blog talked of greys - now to browns - elephant grass, miscanthus, cardoon, sedum and beech hedge.

But there are things to lift the spirits. The buds are fat on the camellias, and we have daffodils through the compost and also snowdrops.

Then there are the yellow leaves shrubs to brighten a gloomy day.

So as darkness creeps up the branches and a lazy heron flaps off from the far garden I nurse my mug of tea, both hands clasped to it to warm them as my mother did and dream that one day this winter will be done.