Sweet Valentine

Yesterday, the day of love, our thoughts turned our loyal, caring friend Zeus.  He certainly was our Valentine.  I am sure that I heard his whisper on the breeze.  Vulcan and Isis are rubbing along; like young newly weds they are adjusting to their new relationship.  They remind me of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, he is nimble and quick with a youthful air;  she is blond and beautiful.  They are slowly learning to honour the tenderness of the garden, following the paths instead of running amok amongst the flowers.  Our richly feathered pheasants Bill and Ben provide plenty of entertainment as they try to set up home just out of the dogs' reach.  I'm not sure how we are going to dissuade them from feasting on the succulent tulip shoots as they emerge from the soil.

The Gardener's Friend

Today's clear skies provided the perfect conditions for chipping the pruning debris and coating the paths with home produced wood chip.  We are the proud owners of a ten year old Globe Organic Shredder.  It is an amazing piece of equipment; hard working and not prone to hissy fits!  It tolerates forgetful owners who mis-disarise the annual sevice without complaint.  The savings from producing our own compost and mulch far outweigh the capital outlay.  It really is The Gardener's Friend!

Magic Moments

What a difference it makes now that we are able to enjoy ten hours of daylight.  As the days draw out and we glide towards the end of Winter, the skyline can be an unexpected source of joy  Not that the approach of the Spring Equinox is immediately apparent, in fact it is quite the opposite with the diverse weather conditions that we are experiencing in the garden.  But just for now, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the beauty of a February sky!

The Honey Crystallizes...

Jars of honey line the shelves in order of their vintage.
  The wide variation of plants that produced pollen and nectar throughout the season affect the crystallization process.  Spring honey 2011 is now set, whilst the liquid gold extracted in July, when the bees had been feeding on blackberry flower, is semi-set.  This is honey at its most delicious, smooth and silky with a crunchy under layer.  The variation in bouquet, flavour, colour and texture of honey that has not been commercially mixed or heated is phenomenal.

At this time of year a teaspoon of home produced honey each morning is wonderful for one's throat and general well being.  An absolute must for the singers amongst us!

The Magical Mix of Bees and Crocus

The bees are staying warm and cosy in their brood-chamber today as arctic conditions suspend the garden in time and space.  Frozen sap contorts the stems of snowdrops and hellebores forcing them into  unnatural positions.  But not so the Spring Crocus, for there is still warmth and growth beneath the surface.  Before long the beloved Spring Crocus, surprisingly non-native, will dance in ribbons below below the pond, tempting the early bees with a feast of pollen.  Spring Crocus produces both flowers and leaves in February and March, an invaluable source of pollen for the honey bee.  Throughout the Mediterranean saffron is renowned for its healing and medicinal properties and it is a delightful thought that the Spring Crocus contributes to the alchemy of each year's first honey, through the diligence of the unassuming honey bee!