Cold and Frosty Mornings

We've had so much damp, wet and windy days this winter that it's such a pleasure to wake up to a cold and frosty morning once in a while. Those type of mornings that promise a glimpse of the sunshine. We've only had a few, but the garden and plants take on a whole new dimension when they are covered in frost and ice. Plants that have faded long ago look alive again - dead flower heads illuminated with a wintery glow - differing shades as the rising sun catches them as it tries to reach up higher in the sky. 

The lawn turns silver overnight, there's suddenly crunchy grass under your feet, not mud and puddles anymore; the garden teams with new interest and textures - icy ponds and bird baths, patterns in the ice, frosty spider webs...

My sea shell collections are tinged with a fresh and delicate powder of ice - almost looking like the sand where they once lay. Even the patterns on the garden tables are heightened by the ice. My favourite is the palm tree - an ornamental structure always there by the pond, but in the morning frost it stands looking grand, decorated by nature in all its winter glory, more rigid and strong.

I love waking to these mornings in winter. 

At Wrest with the Snow

I don't always love the freezing cold weather, but when you wake on a lazy Sunday morning to the white glow from a scattering of snow then it can feel quite special - especially after so much wind and wet weather. 

It felt an ideal opportunity to go out and have a blow in the fresh, crisp air and like a young child, it gives me a good excuse to stick on my wellies and make footprints in the new snow. I'm sure I'm not the only adult who loves doing this! We decided to walk the dogs at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, as although we like to visit at all times of year, we've never visited in the snow before. 

When we arrived the wardens were giving out free samples of ginger wine, so with the warming glow of a ginger wine, we set off to explore in the freezing cold and weren't disappointed. Alfie and Ted - the dogs -  had a great time and found much excitement in the snow. It was the first time Ted had seen snow, so he was a like a spring lamb dancing around in it and enjoyed eating it more than anything!

Most of the plants and any budding flowers were covered, but the snow and ice gave the grounds and gardens a new dimension in the pale winter sun and they looked as stunning as ever.  

Then it was back to the cafe to enjoy a warming coffee and of course cakes and then to buy a bottle of that ginger wine from the gift shop - well there's still enough of winter left for more snow! 

Wrest park is an English Heritage site and welcomes dogs in the grounds, but they must be kept under control and on a lead. 

Wrest Park

January and Time to Take Stock

Apologies for being very quiet since November, as many of you will know I started feeling quite poorly in November and was in hospital right up to New Year's Eve so that's my excuse!

Bright berries on a cotoneastor

It's a brand new year though and a brand new month and time to take stock once more and look forward to the delights which will be coming soon. It's been bleak so far this month with the short days and very wet weather, but I always enjoy a walk up and down the garden each day to see if I can spot anything of interest. It's uplifting to see those bulb shoots pushing through the soil and my thoughts turn to those bright flowers of springtime - the daffodils and the tulips and days being a little longer and brighter.

Bluebell shoots pushing through

It's been mild weather for the time of year and it's interesting to see a few plants flowering out of season and that's one of delights about this time of year -  every little speck of colour in the borders or pots stands out brightly shining and is a welcome sight to be appreciated so much more in the gloom. They are glimmers of hope for what's to come soon. Some of our daffodils are nearly out and I've heard many reports about daffodils being in bloom since before Christmas.

Budding daffodils

Daffodils about to flower

It's also a time for a good tidy up, my hubby's been out there just tidying a hedge or two, trimming a few things back and tidying a few borders. I think these dark, cold months are a little bit about anticipation and preparation - I'm always thinking about what I might like to do next in the garden ready for summer. Which plants I might like to add? A new border perhaps? Move a few plants around? Split and divide a few? There is plenty to be planning ahead for, plenty to get started on if the weather permits.

Rosehips adding a splash of colour

Last summer's geraniums still in flower

One big job we need to organise fairly soon is to sort something out to make the garden more secure for our new dog - at the moment we have just natural hedges and little fencing - I like it like this, but need to think how we can secure it better now with something unobtrusive so the pup can't escape, so that's one task to be getting on with outdoors while the garden is resting.

wallflowers continuously flowerig

Purple hues in a shady corner

Geums still flowering

I'm looking forward to seeing if the snowdrops we planted last year have survived or not and I still must plant some hellebores and aconites - every year I say it and then we seem to move swiftly on to spring before I have chance. This year I'm definitely going to plant some, I'll be on the look out!

Ever faithful flowering pansies

A winter hanging basket to cheer visitors by the front door

In the meantime it's time to savour the indoor plants - my orchids are always a pleasure at this time of year. And it's also a treat to enjoy those cosy nights in by the fire and enjoy the indoors while there's a good excuse!

Last summer's annuals still blooming

A bright pink heather adding a touch of vibrance to the gloom