Blown in from Siberia

After yesterday's blue skies and clear sunshine, this morning's mist and sleet were rather a shock.  It must be even worse for our feathered friends who depend upon running water for hydration and to clean their feathers.  Our resident robin made his presence even more obvious than usual. Following us up the steps, darting in and out of the shrubs on the way to the bee-hives; he ensured that we did not forget to fill his bath and replenish his nuts!  As the Winter deepens he is missing December's feast of holly berries, the delicious crabapples are long gone too.  Charming and bright he is the self-appointed spokesbird for all our feathered residents here at Valley garden Paradise.  His wish is our command!

Snowdrops Galore

During Sunday's hive inspection, we were excited to see that our first snowdrops are starting to flower. Situated in the lea of a north facing hill, this is early for us! Our NewYear's bees are busy foraging on butcher's broom & hellebore, a drop of snowdrop added to the mix should produce a delicious elixir of honey.

Hive Inspection!

Goodbye Dear Friend

This morning we accompanied Zeus up into his beloved woods for a final farewell.  We set him free in the glade which will soon be a carpet of intoxicating bluebells, here his spirit can fly & play in the breeze .  The sapphire woodland will be a fitting tribute for his eighth birthday on 2nd April.
 Brave Vulcan sat to attention for the ceremony; proud to 'sit up' with his brother one last time.  He has struggled to come to terms with the loss of Zeus, but has now stepped up taking on the mantle of 'Pack Alpha'.
 Rest in peace dear friend ---- you are forever in our hearts -----run free & we will watch for you in the wind!

Raindrops on Roses

What a difference a day makes. The Ice Queen's brittle spell has been broken, giving way to bare stems & sleepy roseheads dripping with dew. Such is the magic of the garden & it's ability to draw the mind away from the mundane, captivating the imagination with each small miracle.  Often the magic lies in a simple moment; maybe a bud beginning to burst or a raindrop falling from a leaf.  These unique events combine to build a collage of natural beauty that is free to us all, if we take the time to stop, look & stare.

The Ice Queen Cometh!

At last the Ice Queen has arrived! Today the garden is sparkling under her reign, soft flower heads have frozen under the touch of her icy fingers.  Perfectly formed roses, a rare sight in January, are encrusted with multi-faceted crystals, their crimson bonnets trimmed with an icy downe.  The surreal combination of deep winter frost on a garden that has forgotten to sleep is mesmerising.  Today it is  time to wrap up warm & immerse myself in this winter wonderland.

Recycling

Our recycling has begun!  Last year's compost is now being re-distributed on the beds to nourish the soil & hamper the weeds.  The rich chocolate covering adds depth, emphasising the structure of the plants in their winter form; it looks like the beds are wearing a fine velvet coat. With the pruning underway, early flowering specimens are stepping forward for their moment in the limelight against this sumptuous backdrop.  It is heartening to know that the first root movements deep below the surface will be protected & insulated against any frost in the weeks ahead. I'm not so sure what these bright young daffodils will think!

Bee Patrol.

• 
  
• 
  
  

This week's high winds present a real threat to our bee hives;  it is imperative that we check that they are intact & immune to predators.  Our biggest threat comes in the form of mice & woodpeckers.  On the cold winter's night, a tempting dinner of pure, organic honey is an irresistible option. It is a difficult time for bee-keepers; the benign climate is enticing the bees to investigate outside the hive with the expectation of an early Spring.  At this time of year the Hive should be hibernating; conserving their energy & honey reserves for the real Spring.  However, in reality they are curious, out & about investigating their environment.  This is not ideal for the Colony as the Queen will laying, sadly the larvae will use up the colony's precious honey reserves!!!   There will be precious little in return.

Spirit of The Wind

Eight days of high winds have characterised the start to 2012. The sheer power of this natural element is startling, the landscape has been re sculpted with many skeleton trees having their dead wood stripped away;  nature's version of copsing.  This picture of Isis in full flight with the wind & the waves encapsulates the sentiment.

  One of the treasures of January is the night sky. Tonight if luck is on our side; the gift of a clear sky will allow us to see the full 'Wolf Moon' in all her glory.

Honey Bees in January

Normally at this time of year the bees cluster around the Queen to keep her warm in the hive.  However, this year's mild temperatures are tempting our bees out into the garden to start foraging. Scented winter shrubs are the perfect addition to any winter garden & will provide sweet perfume for you & pollen for the bees on sunny days. One of my favorites is the Viburnum. Producing clusters of white or pink flowers to adorn the bare wood stems, they are strongly scented & extremely attractive to our honeybees.  Last year, after a prolific flowering in January, having spoilt us every morning with her delicious scent, our trusty 'Daphne' just gave up.  It was with a heavy heart that we dug out her roots.  In honour of her beauty we have re-planted & we await her January gifts as do the intrepid little honey bees!  

New year - New Beginnings

What a welcome to 2012 - stormforce winds, biting hail & magical double rainbows!  The quality of the light at this time of year can be exceptional, bringing the stark silhouettes of the sleeping trees into focus, showcasing emerging snowdrops & spring bulbs in 3D.  The winter Ericas are a favorite stalwart as the garden begins its' metamorphosis each New year. Laden with tiny white blooms, structured stems wave a gentle 'hello' through the kitchen window reminding us of nature's infinite beauty.