Thank goodness I had my horticultural activities to hand this week. Wild wind and horizontal rain, oh the joys of winter self employment . From the comfort of my car I read my pruning book and added yet more seeds to my wish list.
I continue to be totally unprepared though for the intense beauty that gardens constantly throw at me. Throughout the year I follow hundreds of plants from late winter leaf and bud to flower, through to Autumnal colour and finally to Winter disintegration . Plants really do have the capacity to stop me in my tracks. You should give it a try.
Admittedly they are early, however the beauty of a primrose is sublime. Tips of tulips are starting to protrude through their curry and gravel mulch. Yes that is correct mixing curry powder with the top soil really does appear to deter squirrels .
The peonies are up.
I prune hundreds of shrubs each year, and I do have a favorite one, which belongs to Wendy. On Friday I filled an entire wheelbarrow with spent hips in the process. If only I knew the cultivar.
Enjoy your February garden. I will enjoy fourteen.
Sally Wicks 