What's another year ...

2022! So far January has been as it should be - a bit mild in parts but largely temps that you'd expect and no torrential rain or tile loosening winds. Today began cloudy but is now a beautiful blue day and the snowdrops are out in force.

This is Galanthus 'Sentinel' which a friend gave me (via a gift voucher from Avon Bulbs). It was a little more expensive that my normal choice of the plain but wonderful Galanthus nivalis, so I was a bit worried for its survival but over the last 3 winters it has steadily increased and now makes a lovely solid clump at the top of the steps underneath the Daphne. You can see from the photo that the Daphne (odora 'Aureomarginata') is about to flower in the near future so not only will there be a snowdrop welcome on the steps but also a wonderful scent to take you into the garden.

There's plenty of interest in the garden and the birds have really settled in this winter. I'm not sure that any will use the two nest boxes but the Goldfinches are making short work of the sunflower seeds and there has even been an occasional Chaffinch and a Greenfinch once (although that could have been my eyesight playing hopeful tricks!). Other than the finches there are Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Starlings, Woodpigeons (of course!), Collared Doves, and the occasional Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit. Yesterday, as I walked up the garden, a wren shot past my ankles - wonderful!

I'm resisting cutting back any perennials until we're really into the spring as I'm sure they will be providing habitat for insects. I've seen ladybirds on the Asters so there must be other lodgers too. I pruned the Apples in December - quite hard for the Bramley and the cuttings gave me a Christmas Tree. I think I'm going to do a bi-yearly prune (does that mean every other year - hope so!). The Cydonia has been planted in the ground as a sentry for the deck - that is if it survives the fire damage. Fingers crossed for both that and the Olive. I've also put the Rosemary in the ground instead of a pot on the deck. I planted it at the end of the autumn and it is looking happier already.

Other long term plans from when I first moved in 4 years ago are also coming into fruition. Not big things but important - Winter Aconite becoming established under the Crab Apple in the back and under the Nepeta in the front. One group greets me as I open the curtains and the other as I feed the birds - very lucky.

The days are getting longer and the pull outdoors gets stronger with jobs like pruning the Sambucus calling. I'm not quite sure how best to cut it back as I want some height before I pollard each year - it needs to be above the level of its neighbours I think - an enjoyable conundrum! Seed planting soon: I ordered Sweet Peas yesterday and Catananche and the potatoes (Sharpe's Express and Pink Fir Apple) have been chitting for over a week with Shallots in the porch to rest until I can plant later this month.