Snowdrop Season

Last time we were at Llanerchaeron, earlier this month, we noted that there were lots of snowdrops coming up in the woodlands nearby, and promised ourselves another visit to see them in flower.

So here we are, on another sunny Sunday, and there was indeed a very good showing:

Had the usual wander round the gardens and farmyard again - still no piglets, although Seren and Tomos were in their stable (I think this is Seren - Tomos was stuffing his face with hay in the background!).

Finished the trip with a wander around a rather chilly Aberaeron harbour, before heading home for tea.

In the Eye of the Beholder

Still on holiday, and finally some sunshine - Martin duly headed out on his bike up to Nant yr Arian, while I got out into the garden.

Had intended to do some weeding in the fruit cage, but it struck me that we seemed to have less snowdrops in the garden than of yore, and I was inspired to investigate . . .

Two hours later - one large pile of ivy, and lots more visible snowdrops.  Yay!

All that scrabbling about under shrubs was not without its downside though - successfully avoided the magnolia branches, but fell prey to a hydrangea . . .







Martin meanwhile was enjoying some fantastic views, with a dusting of snow on the high ground:

Nice to see the sun, and enjoy the fresh air, although could have done without the poke in the eye!

Midwinter Miscellany

Well the Christmas celebrations are already fading into the past . . .

Too much food was cooked (and eaten).

The 'Cake' finally got decorated (although after Christmas Day) with fruit, nuts and marzipan - and managed to incorporate a bunny along the way.




Family visited for a few days, and we're already missing the pitter patter of doggie paws (well I am anyway).








Martin spotted the first of the snowdrops in flower in the back garden - doubtless with more to follow.


Finally our festive entertainment has included the farmer's ongoing battle to manage his flock's access to the 'greens' in the field opposite:


The stuff on the left hand side obviously looks much more tasty, and he's had to reconstruct the fence at least twice and shoo the sheep back to where they don't want to be with much beeping from his quad bike.


The fence (now securely electrified) seems to be doing its job for now, but there are regular mass gatherings where they look like they are preparing to storm it to achieve their goal, so watch this space!

First Daffs

After what amounts to one of the few cold snaps we've seen this winter, the eventual blooming of the daffodils, was somewhat delayed, but we are now seeing the first splashes of yellow around the garden.






Ironically the same cold snap seems to have jump-started the snowdrops into action.




And we've also got a nice showing of crocuses (or is that croci??).




Should really get out in the garden before much longer - lots of things to clear up / weed / prune / plant!

Green Shoots of Spring

Well if Spring hasn't quite Sprung yet, it is certainly poking its green shoots up above ground. Most noticeably with regard to our annual crop of snowdrops, but there are also a range of other bulbs on their way to flowerdom.

I planted over 100 cheap bulbs (tulips, crocuses, muscari, fritillaria, and whatever else was on offer in the Poundshop) earlier in January, but not sure if they'll make much of showing this year - hopefully some will survive and flower in Spring 2011.

Otherwise the garden has been cleared of its undergrowth of rotting montbretia leaves. The clematis montana (dislodged when the window men took it upon themselves to do the garage roofline - we hadn't ordered this, and ended up getting it for free) has been persuaded back on to the trellis on the garden wall - hopefully it will recover sufficiently to put on its usual glorious display.

We've finally pruned the raspberry canes as well, and the kitchen windowsill is resplendent with baby onions (decided to grow from seed this year). More to be done though - next on the list digging over the veg plots, and weeding the fruit cage - before more planting (tomatoes, courgettes, spinach, etc.) - next thing we know it'll be time to cut the grass and trim the hedges!

And We Shall Have Snow . . .

While the rest of the country ground to a halt yesterday we stayed relatively snow free on the West coast. Woke up to a whiter world, but not white enough to close the roads or anything - quite pretty though:

And got to see our snowdrops in their true setting: