It’s over. January, that is. We’ve had a bit of rain at the start, a lot of frost in the middle and the early stirrings of a mild and mildewy end.
The lawn had an early mow, went to sleep in the cold, and now waits a warmer reminder that growth is approaching.
Not much else, though, is making big efforts. Hellebores, snow drops, and witch hazels mostly.
That said, the stirrings of daffs, tulips, irises and crocuses are peeking through. Some rhubarb and, blow me a piece of mistletoe has taken after years of rubbing the seeds in the apple tree.
Work to redesign the end of the garden continue gradually as we consolidate our plans.
We’ve identified a spot where we might build a couple of raised beds with sleepers we bought for the family wedding. These will be for veg. Watch this space.
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
Fingers crossed , but she is really wobbly and in pain , trouble breathing but still wants to eat ,walk and rule the roost and her tail never stops wagging.š
Lovely stuff. Our snowdrops and hellebores are just coming through. A real tonic for the soul. Look forward to seeing what you do with the raised beds.
I still can’t get down to our garden – stairs are hopefully next on the PT agenda! I expect once I finally get down there the dafs will be sprouting. Feb is generally daf month here in California. Daf in more ways than one!
Looks lovely even in the winter.
We’ve snowdrops and hellebores. Our daffs have got buds and I reckon will soon be out. The Daphne is now in bloom and has a lovely perfume.
Our winter camellia is late, though. We’ve 3 of them. 2 have buds, but the newest one has none!
I gathered a seed pod from a tree in Amiens in September. I planted the seeds just after New Year, and 2 of them are coming up. They are in a cold frame.
We visited a wood on the east coast today where there were carpets of wild snowdrops. Just delightful. I’ll post some images later. Do have a go; they’re such good value
TanGental 
Spring is bursting out all overšš Ruby lifts a paw to Dog …poor old girl struggling.š
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Aw, that’s so sad. Hope she perks up as the weather warms
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Fingers crossed , but she is really wobbly and in pain , trouble breathing but still wants to eat ,walk and rule the roost and her tail never stops wagging.š
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Itās so hard isnāt it. I hope you all find a way through.
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Yes indeed so do we, thank you šš
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A good coverage. It’s never too late for mistletoe. Dog’s hind legs have grown
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Dog is very flexible by nature and the mistletoe is encouraging
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I see Dog has great plans for the far end of the garden. You may come to regret that success with the mistletoe!
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Yes, he’s keen to make the place fox free, though I doubt he’ll succeed. As for mistletoe, what can you mean!?
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It can rampage and then who knows what will happen!
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Itāll be something if it rampages. Weāre a bit posh around here to rampage. We tend to bustleā¦
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A sight to behold I imagine!
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Oh yes. Governments have fallen if Dulwich bustles en masse.
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Most beauteous. Love the bright green shoots!
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they are deeply encouraging…
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You can tell that Dog is pleased with his kingdom!
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He’s very princeling these days
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Lovely stuff. Our snowdrops and hellebores are just coming through. A real tonic for the soul. Look forward to seeing what you do with the raised beds.
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I think Dog looks happiest curled up in bed!
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He’s even happier under a blanket on the sofa while I watch the TV, but he doesn’t photograph that well!
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Terrific photos of a beautiful place, Geoff. Spring is coming to you quickly.
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It’s picking up pace, for sure
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I still can’t get down to our garden – stairs are hopefully next on the PT agenda! I expect once I finally get down there the dafs will be sprouting. Feb is generally daf month here in California. Daf in more ways than one!
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We have march dafs mostly though my daughter had some miniatures in December. Officially bonkers. Hope you hop to it soon enough
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It does look beautiful. Hugs.
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Itās perking up. Hugs back at you!
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Oh, the first flowers are already showing up. Although most of the time it was too warm, those early spring flowers still hide over here.
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Are you expecting snow?
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No, unfortunately not. We had a sneeze of snow in early December but that was it. The big snow wall of the past couple days missed us.
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I think Dog senses spring is right around the corner. We have some pear trees already blooming here – about to be frozen this weekend!
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That is the problem, isnāt it. Weāre threatened with cold weather early next week which may knock things backā¦
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This is the time of year with ups and downs in temps. Wishing you sunshine, though!
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I like Dog’s style
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Looks lovely even in the winter.
We’ve snowdrops and hellebores. Our daffs have got buds and I reckon will soon be out. The Daphne is now in bloom and has a lovely perfume.
Our winter camellia is late, though. We’ve 3 of them. 2 have buds, but the newest one has none!
I gathered a seed pod from a tree in Amiens in September. I planted the seeds just after New Year, and 2 of them are coming up. They are in a cold frame.
.
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Sounds good to me
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Beautiful photos! My daffodils are sprouting up too and I think I’ll get a flower by the end of the week. Love the snow drops. I should plant some.
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We visited a wood on the east coast today where there were carpets of wild snowdrops. Just delightful. I’ll post some images later. Do have a go; they’re such good value
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That sounds delightful! Can’t wait to see the photos.
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Your garden always looks good, Geoff, even during the winter.
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It’s survived this winter well; hopefully it won’t have a punishing summer
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