On Thursday, a sharp ping on my phone announced that another delivery of manure had been dropped off. That could only mean one thing: we would have to go to the allotment and shift it. Although the load had technically been unloaded onto our plot, it has to be tipped at the edge, where it threatens to overspill onto the narrow roadway that encircles the site.Â
We may be languishing in the middle of winter, but there are some signs of new growth.
On the plot, clumps of rhubarb are sending up young leaves.
In the garden, snowdrops are pushing up through the soil. New growth always makes me feel that we are turning a corner but there is still some way to go before winter loosens its icy grip.
On the Nostell Priory Facebook page, it was announced that a section of our usual walk would be closed to allow some tree work to be carried out, so we decided to go to Temple Newsam instead.
Ruby needed a new bed, so we decided to pop into a garden centre on our way.
As soon as we got out of the car, Ruby was eager to get inside. She made a beeline for the dog section, happily inspecting and sniffing everything on offer. Unfortunately, none of the beds were right for her.
A short video of Ruby’s shopping expedition
She loves her donut bed which is part cosy nest and part toy. She drags it around, twists it into all sorts of shapes, and hides her toys underneath. It’s also where she stashes any socks or slippers that she has managed to sneakily collect.
Since the garden centre didn’t have what we needed, I ordered a new bed online, just like her old favourite.
Parts of the lake at Temple Newsam were still frozen with parts of fallen tree debris embedded into the ice.
There weren’t as many moorhens around as usual but what really concerned me was that the resident swan was nowhere to be seen.
The gardeners had been busy cutting back all the perennials.
The pathway through the woods at Nostell was only supposed to be closed for one day. So we headed off for our usual walk,
The paths were a muddy mess. The vehicles used by the grounds staff churn up the grass verges and all dips in the paths fill with rainwater.
Fortunately, although she wouldn’t agree, Ruby was due a shower after the walk, so we decided to carry on regardless.
We are still trying for better shots of the flock of wigeon which seems to have decided to stay on the lake. They are noisy birds so it is easy to locate them by following the high-pitched whistling made by the males.
The ones in the photo are all males.
A coot photo bombed the shot.
That’s all for this week so as always until next time, stay well, stay safe, stay warm and stay dry.
I really need a load of compost. My Aunt Bonnie would always say, “If I can just make it to rhubarb.” Meaning if she could make to through the winter to spring, she would live another year. I am amazed at how green it is there in the winter. Ruby’s bed is perfect. It sounds like she loves baths as much as Dollor does.
The green is gradually turning to brown mud Bonnie. Ruby hates spa day but goes wild when it is all over.
oh this is miserable weather for doing things like shovelling the load of manure, certainly an excuse not that an excuse is for a reward of hot chocolate and some cake. it is good to see signs of new growth and we can only hope that spring is not too far behind. Ruby looked so cute in that video In her little aubergine coloured jacket. Her tail is so poofy! She really is a little sweetie.
Her tail is Ruby’s USP. The groomer dare not spoil it
It really is bleak today, so foggy and it doesn’t look as though it’s going to shift all day.
I think we have had enough damo drrreary weather now, Jo
It really is bleak today, so foggy and it doesn’t look like it’s going to shift all day.
I need to get out there and try and prune back my budleijas ..thanks for the reminder . Drifting sea mist and rain here continues !
Jostaberries and blsck elders next on the list, Debbie