Spring into Action

We are now nearly a third of the way through Spring. It has not disappointed, with some glorious days on the Pennines and, of course, some dreek and dank ones too. The gardens and gardeners have now sprung into action and there is a noticeable burst of activity. I always feel removing the covers from the garden furniture marks a critical day in the garden calendar and the onset of a series of jobs.

The picture shows the difference when the covers have been removed and the jet wash has blasted away the winter grime. No wonder it puts a spring in the step.

Before

After, during the inspection

It is revealing how much difference  a patio spring clean can make. The small tub in the centre has been a particular success, with the stark white of the fritilaria uva vulpis, a definite for repeating next year.

Other important jobs have included mulching, raking the lawn and some shifting of plants from conservatory to cold frame. This in turn creates more indoor space for yet more seeds and repotting of seedlings. In other words it is all go!

The same is true of the plant kingdom and the joy of seeing the new buds and the start of regrowth is simply a delight.

 

Plant of the Month

Last week, before the severe gales, I was inspecting the garden, brew in hand, trying to decide what were the early spring highlights.

Hebe 

Narcissus

Primrose

The hebe midnight sun is a plant for all seasons and I cannot recommend this easy to grow little beauty too highly. Of course, daffodils and narcissii are always a breath of dazzling colour and the primroses, a new addition to several spots in the garden, have also been a cheerful sight.

However, I must confess to having a particular fondness for irises and this year there have been some nice reticulata including a new one for me, with a lovely, pale blue flower. They are part of the bulb lasagnas on the patio so that even on the days when venturing outside seems less than appealing they are visible from the kitchen window.

A Cat for all Seasons

Hecate in the grass bed

Mili by the dogwood

Following on from the previous blog entry it seemed appropriate to mention how the two cats have managed in the variable meteorological conditions that we have experience over the Pennines during the past few weeks. Mili and Hecate are of an age now when the big outdoors has somewhat less allure when the weather is inclement. However, it is without fail that my first foray into the garden on any particular day will be accompanied by two feline companions. Whether or not they make it up all the steps to the top of the garden on subsequent trips that the same day is a matter of feline capriciousness.

I am confident that they feel more secure when they have friendly or familiar humans in the vicinity. It rather belies the notion that cats are independent and aloof pets. According to the website of cat behavior consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett, cats aren't aloof; they're focused. If they don't respond immediately when you speak to them, it may just be that they are too engrossed in looking for potential prey, like the foot you're about to move underneath your blanket. Cats may show affection by sitting on you or next to you, rubbing against you, bumping their heads into you and licking you..... and in the case of Hecate and Mili when you can provide the outdoors back up to keep away the scarier of the neighborhood toms.