The New and the Old

Although more snow is forecast the flowers continue to appear. I spotted my first crocus of the year nestled among the old aster stems. So cheerful. Despite looking so pure and delicate it must be very tough to shine on such a cold day.

I know I keep banging on about Hellebores but they are so very beautiful at the moment. I have several different ones and if you look closely at the photos you will see how different and interesting the centres are. They vary quite a bit.

The lovely black grass ( I think it’s Ophiopogon) has shiny black berries. It’s a favourite plant of mine and looks good all year round. The skimmia berries are brilliant red.

The Snowdrops are better by the day but there are many more not yet out of the soil enough to flower. The Cyclamen have been pretty even with the snow on them and more flowers have yet to unfold.

There are signs of wildlife out there too, like this spider I spotted on the outside of the house. Interesting one I thought. Bit different in shape but still has the eight legs.

I still have plenty of food in the polytunnels. Carrots and turnips, leeks and parsnips. My crop of garlic is growing well for harvesting in Summer but my stored garlic which I’m currently using for cooking is beginning to sprout. Bit of a nuisance because it will be a while before the new crop is ready.

We have some help in the garden now to cut the hedges, prune the trees and those jobs which we find difficult. It gives us mixed feelings though. After a lifetime of being as self-sufficient as we could be it feels wrong not to do the work ourselves. There is no satisfaction like there is when you have completed a difficult task and accomplished something. On the other hand it’s also a relief not to be struggling and worrying over the state of the garden and putting ourselves at risk doing jobs we’re no longer capable of. We still want to get out there though and get cracking on those things we can do and still enjoy doing. The garden is a vital ingredient in our recipe for a happy life.

Birds feature very much in our gardening activities. They are welcome friends in an organic garden but they are also wonderful entertainment. The Robin is probably the loveliest little garden bird in Britain. Here’s a poem I wrote about it.

The Robin

A ball of feathers with a red breast,
The Robin is our favourite bird.
When frost bites they puff out their chest
Looking as if they're undeterred.
The sweet notes of the Robin's song
Are often heard in the early hours
When they proclaim that they belong
Among our garden trees and flowers.
With perfect symmetry they stand,
So pert, so elegantly placed on branch or twig,
Their breast the colour of a firebrand
They dip their tail in a little jig.
A garden companion so often seen,
Their cheeky ways such a delightful sight,
With their plumage so perfectly pristine
And their beady eyes so clear and bright.
Long live our favourite little creature.
May it always remain a pleasing feature.

I had an urge to knit again but I didn’t fancy a big project like a sweater or blanket. I’ve been knitting cherries again. They’re quick and fun to do. The stems are little knitted cords done with only three stitches. Very clever idea.

Now I’m doing acorns. Very easy to do. Not too many fiddly bits where I lose my concentration. I might do some autumn leaves to go with them. Will show them if I manage to produce something worth looking at.

Whenever I knit or crochet I find my old sewing box which belonged to my husband’s grandma. It’s nothing fancy but I love it. Hand made by Granddad it has happy memories built into it and holds my embroidery wools and cottons as well as a few items original to the box.

At the top, on the lift out shelf, it has tools for making rag rugs and my crochet hooks, needles and scissors. At the bottom along with my own materials is Grandma’s darning tool. This is shaped like a mushroom and is made to hold a sock while mending a hole.

I have used the mushroom. It’s lovely to hold, sits in the hand so well. I often think of Grandma using it before me. It’s lovely to have family treasures.

In these difficult times the little things matter so much. Enjoy your own treasures, make the most of each day with tasty food, interesting projects, home comforts and remember to stay safe. With you again in a few days.