Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Here's hoping you had a good Christmas. I've had a lovely relaxing break from work, catching up with friends and family, but also just spending time quietly at home, reading and watching films. A welcome respite from a busy world. I've been sorting out my seeds and planning ahead for the new season.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be glad that 2016 is over. Its been a difficult year for me losing my mum and its certainly been an emotional first Christmas without her. I've been getting out in the garden when the weather has permitted. The joy of walking round the quiet garden in winter is the waiting for all my winter treasures to start emerging or flowering. The first shoots of the snowdrops and keeping an eye on my witch hazel in the front garden. Its just starting to unfurl its spidery vibrant orange flowers My snowdrops are starting to peek up out of the soil and there are thick buds on the Hellebores, the winter plants are starting to get into gear. Its a joy to see. The year gets marked by my favourite plants of the season. The anticipation is half the pleasure, but I just find myself thinking I must tell mum about that, we both loved telling each other about the new signs of the new year. 

I've managed to get up to the allotment a couple of days, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet. I'm still busy clearing and tidying. I've harvested most of the leeks now and some parsnips, and have still got some sprouts to pick. Some of my bulbs are coming up there too, some Camassias and some of the alliums. It won't be long, enjoy this quiet time, the mad days of Spring will soon be here. 

In the garden the birds are back on mass especially the sparrows, barging and bumping each other off the feeders, the blackbirds are about and my Robin is back visiting. I love to go out and just wait a few minutes and then hear his delicate warbling song coming from the Rhododendron or his perch on the apple tree.

I want to wish all my gardening friends and bloggers a very Happy New Year, I love reading all about your growing year, the places you visit and the plants that you love. Here's to a peaceful and productive 2017. May all your gardening dreams come true.