Betty to the Rescue!

Watching weather systems playing with the light in the garden is a favourite pastime. This morning, I was privileged to observe Ash leaves, bathed in sparkling sunlight, tentatively unfurling tender fingers as they emerged from their bud-cocoons.  Imagine their shock, when only moments later, pea sized hailstones pelted down from the skies, ricocheting on the dusty path.  In an instant, the balmy temperature turned icy!

 Standing high on the hill above the woods and facing west, it is possible to watch the storm clouds as they advance across the channel, their bulk turning the water matt-grey.  With an Arctic front advancing, it is difficult, even with the mod-cons and weather apps, to predict and plan the gardening day.  Even more challenging, in addition to navigating the turbulent weather fronts, our plants and trees are having to deal with imported diseases.  What a relief to read this weekend, that a 200-year old Ash tree in Norfolk, called Betty, appears to be immune to Chalara Ash-dieback; a predatory fungus predicted to deplete up to 50% of our native woodlands.  Her immunity, when genetically identified, will help to protect our native trees and the wildlife that depend on the humble ash for survival.  Living in the middle of an Ash wood, we care passionately about our woodland friends: wood mice, bullfinches,wrens, blue-tits, bats and beetles, who together with the flora and fauna have enough to contend with as it is!