A WEEK IN MY GARDEN - 14 FEBRUARY

Doesn't it seem to take and age waiting for the snowdrops to open?  This time of year one longs for Spring to arrive and yet there is still so much to clear and prune after the Winter.  I am glad we have a little time left before everything bursts into growth.

If I could, I would wait until they were fully open to show them on the blog, but there's been a distinct lack of sunshine recently.

A carpet of Galanthus nivalis in the Woodland Garden

Two years ago I bought a few of the more specialist varieties of snowdrop.  Some have dwindled, some stayed the same, but Galanthus 'Trumps' has come up trumps with four flowers this year.

The snowdrops are the star players. but there are other plants looking at their best just now.  Cyclamen coum is doing well in dry shade under some yew trees next to a path.  I've tried these in a slightly 'better' location but they died out there.  This seems to suit them and since there are now lots of seedlings I'm going to spread them around this spot.

Turning a corner round the side of the path, I become aware of a wonderful lily-of-the-valley scent coming from this Mahonia.  The individual flowers form lovely tresses.

They are very attractive to blue tits.  These little birds are seen flying to and from this bush when it is in flower.  Whatever they are after, they thankfully seem to do little damage.

Now the roses have been pruned, there is the rest of the Rose Garden to tidy up, cutting back any perennials and clearing fallen leaves.  The next step is the mulch the ground with Strulch, while Mr B has made a start on reducing the height of the evergreens at the rear of the garden to allow in more sunshine.

That's everything I have to tell you this week.  I hope to see you again next time,