Thank goodness I took advantage of the couple of day’s fine weather to do some “real gardening”. Since then we have gone back into the depths of winter with snow and cold temperatures. In fact the cold wind has made it unpleasant to do anything than to work in the greenhouse. However I you see the world news of earthquakes, floods and mudflows I realise just how lucky I am. Once the snow and ice has finally gone I may have quite a bit of work to do sorting out any damage and debris but at least I will have a garden to work in and many poor souls will not even have a roof over their heads.

In the greenhouse it is nice to see the tomato seedlings coming on, new life with the promise of warmer days to come.

Also germinated is Lobelia but not the annual (tender perennial) type that use as annual bedding but the perennial variety. I have chosen a packet of mixed colour seed but from the packet they complement each other and so I do not have to wait for them to flower before planting out and worrying whether there will be a colour clash. The packet says forty seeds and I have to believe them, the seed is like powder so there was no chance of counting them. I could not even be certain the seed had rested on the surface of the seed compost! The good news of course is that as long as I can nurture them through to planting out I will not have to buy any more Lobelia seed or plants. I will be able to take cuttings and eventually divide the plants, a continuation of my policy of only buying plants when it is a necessity.

My Standard Fuchsia has leaves. The dead looking twigs of the many past weeks have decided it is time to start into life again. I keep it in the conservatory which has no heat whatsoever apart from any weak winter sun. It is still only young but the stem and branches are looking much thicker and stronger. If I find another of my fuchsias vigorous enough to train I will have another go.

The renewed snow and extended cold has brought the Fieldfare back into the garden. It might be cupboard love but I will take it as he will not be around for much longer I am sure. Hanging a large fatball in the magnolia outside the conservatory has paid dividends. We have had close views of birds that we normally only see from a distance and maybe not even notice them visiting. The Blackcap for instance, a pretty little bird with as the name suggests a black patch on its head, and Long Tailed Tits that we see flitting through the bush in gangs but not sitting still very often.

It is not all doom and gloom outside, the Christmas Box has opened up even more flowers and the perfume is just stunning as I walk through the back gate. It may be considered a dull looking shrub the rest of the year but for me it more than makes up for it at this time of the year.

The Snowdrops are in bud at last and one small patch that are catching the welcome bit of sun today has opened a flower or two. Soon there will be swathes of these little white beauties – I hope!

Although it is only the end of February many of the gardening news articles have vegetable growing as their theme. Mainly about planning the vegetable garden but it will soon be time for that vegetable garden preparation. It is good to see so many column inches being devoted to vegetable growing again. Like all gardening it can be hard work, frustrating and so rewarding. And all in the same growing season!

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