The Winter of 2013/4 has been the wettest and windiest so far experienced at Bracken House, but despite the record-breaking weather, Spring is showing definite signs of returning.
Despite the flooded fields and waterlogged flower borders, spring bulbs have already poked through the mud. Snowdrops are in flower under the hedges, with crocuses, tulips and daffodils likely to be in flower in a couple of weeks. In the meadows, wild primroses have been flowering for two or three weeks now, adding some welcomed colour to the grassy areas.
Narcissi (Photo credit: Alan Rowley Photos)
The wildlife too is sensing the return of Spring. The wood pigeons, of which we have dozens, are starting to pair up and have mated in the gardens. There are often up to 20 bathing in the pond and preening themselves. The magpies and blackbirds have also shown increased activity as the gardens burst into life after the Winter slumber.
The Winter storms that have ravaged other parts of the country have had little effect here in Selston, although everywhere is very wet. It will take many dry days before the standing water can drain away, but fortunately, being on a hill, the fields do drain quickly. The high water table will make sure that the coming growing season will be a good one, if the Sun puts in an appearance on a regular basis.
Bracken House in the snow (Photo credit: Alan Rowley Photos)
While the storms prevail, there is little that can be done outside, other than upright patio furniture that has blown over and repair damaged cloches. Being confined indoors during the wind and rain does allow time to plan what to do in the gardens this year and to decide on what vegetables to grow. Potatoes are one vegetable that I am going to grow this year, following a successful trial last Summer.
The meadows will need a lot of work this year if my longed for wildflower meadow is ever going to happen. This year’s aim is to give the grass in the meadows three or four cuts throughout the year to give the flowers chance to acclimatise. A few plug plants might give them a better chance of succeeding.
Garden bench by the pond (Photo credit: Alan Rowley Photos)
With more storms forecast, I find it helps to look to the future and think about the positive aspects of all this rain. The young trees planted in 2010 will relish the rainfall and plants in the flower borders will gain a head start if any late frosts are avoided.
The meteorological Spring starts on March 1st, which is only a fortnight away, and with the Sun gaining in strength every day, it won’t be long before I can enjoy my morning coffee out on the patio.
Related articles
- Spring Magic- Hocus Crocus (jadecypress.wordpress.com)
- Signs of Spring – Buds and Snowdrops – and Storms (mybeautfulthings.wordpress.com)
- Top Spots for Snowdrops (outdoorsy.gardenxl.com)
- Signs of spring appear early across UK after mild winter (theguardian.com)
- UK weather: mild spell causes birds to break into song and flowers to bloom. (telegraph.co.uk)
- Signs of Spring (gillianbrazier.wordpress.com)
- Spring? (highfiveandraspberries.wordpress.com)
- Raindrops Keep Falling … (ramblingratz.wordpress.com)
- Small Sign of Spring!!! (budgetlovingmilitarywife.com)
