Last week was all about the strong winds, especially on Thursday. Nostell had to close for the day for safety reasons, but thankfully, I spotted the notice on Facebook, saving us from a wasted trip.
Even when the sun came out, its warmth was cancelled out by the bitterly cold wind. Most of the people we met on our walks looked like they’d only ventured out because their dogs insisted.
At home and in the garden
Martyn has finished clearing the border earmarked for replanting. The next step is to put up trellis along the back to support climbers. It might look similar to last week’s photo, but Martyn would tell you a lot of effort went into it, especially wrestling with stubborn roots.
More seeds have been sown under the indoor grow lights, and seed-sowing will pick up speed from now on. There’s a simple joy in seeing tiny green shoots appear—little promises of summer to come.
At the allotment, we are planning on increasing our strawberry stock. Some new plants arrived last week with still more to come. The first lot have been potted up to grow on before planting them out. Can you tell that we like strawberries?
The garden tubs are filling nicely, too.
I always forget what I’ve planted, so it’s a happy surprise when the flowers finally appear.
At the allotment
Over the weekend we managed to spend some time at the allotment.
Martyn strimmed the grass paths for the first time this year, which immediately made everything look much tidier.
I cleared one of the brassica beds and dug a batch of leeks which will be prepared for freezing. They should keep us supplied for quite a while.
We also removed the weed control fabric from the beds that will be planted first and worked the manure, which had been holding the fabric in place, into the soil. Those beds are now ready for planting when the time comes.
Daffodil Walk
We almost didn’t visit Temple Newsam last week. The day we planned coincided with Nostell’s closure, and the cold, biting wind made it tempting to stay indoors. But Ruby’s expectant little face convinced us to wrap up warmly and brave the elements.
We were glad we did. The purple and white crocuses had faded, replaced by rivers of yellow and white daffodils. Following the flower trails led us along paths we’d never used before and gave us ideas for future visits.
Among the daffodils, we spotted a lone chionodoxa amongst the swathe of daffodils.
Elsewhere in a newly planted bed they looked more planned.
We even have a vase of daffodils at home now, filling the room with their lovely scent. Don’t worry — they weren’t stolen; they came from the allotment!
Trees and shrubs are starting to shoot, with the willow leading the way while others remain more hesitant. In sheltered spots, the first hawthorn leaves are beginning to unfurl.
In the local park.
The gardens in the local park are lovingly tended by volunteers, and they do an impressive job. The primroses are brightening things up, while the forsythia is joining in.
Silver birches are looking especially beautiful at this time of year.
The birds are also feeling that spring is in the air.
The mallards are pairing up, but the pair of Nostell swans are ahead of the game and already nesting safely in the middle of the reed bed.
Over the years, they’ve averaged about six offspring, though sadly most years one cygnet doesn’t survive. I wonder how many eggs will hatch this year.
Ruby’s tag
Finally, Ruby received her collar tag as a reward for visiting twelve different National Trust properties over the winter. A tag had been set aside for us at Nostell, ready to collect with the completed passport.
Of course, it wasn’t straightforward. The tag had gone missing and was only tracked down after three people got involved! At last, it is now fixed to Ruby’s collar. I must admit, it isn’t the silver disk I was expecting. I can’t help but wonder what the National Trust will come up with next winter!
With seeds sprouting and daffodils everywhere, it really feels as though spring is beginning to take hold now.
That’s all for this week so as always until next time stay safe and stay well.
At least Ruby got something for her, and your, efforts. I love having a vase of daffodils in the house at this time of year, so many lovely spring bulbs to choose from.