I got quite a surprise whilst planting some of my new snowdrop bulbs. Having dug a suitable hole for a small clump, I disturbed a hibernating bumblebee. She was very annoyed too, showing her displeasure by buzzing furiously above the ground. I took the hint and put her back safely from whence she came.
The garden's daphnes and hellebores are beginning to bloom, joining the happy throng of white-faced snowdrops. Already, Camellia buds are colouring up and some are even beginning to flower, yet another welcome herald of spring!
Returning to the planting of snowdrops. These are one bulb that really do benefit from planting whilst in full growth. Dry bulbs rarely, if ever, succeed and settle down to flower. Many quality nurseries now offer snowdrops 'in-the-green' as they are called. Together with that other stalwart of the early spring garden, the winter aconite, now is the time to place an order and plan for a great show at next winter's end. In addition, they are very often offered for sale at very reasonable prices and some nurseries offer miniature narcissi free with each sizeable order. So, plan ahead now and await a feast of bloom next spring.
In between the showers of rain, sleet and snow, I have been inspecting the garden to see what else is poking through and more especially what isn't. Failures at least in our very wet maritime climate, are without doubt due to excessive water at root level of many plants. One way to combat this problem is to surround the crown of plants likely to succumb with fine gravel. This helps enormously to stop the rot.
Spring of course in the United Kingdom is characterised by very mild spells at times, only to be followed by sharp cold snaps with damaging frosts. Stop and start, is certainly the order of the season, but most who garden here would have it no other way. It keeps us all on our toes!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
