It was cold last week.
The Met Office may insist that May’s temperatures are average for the time of year, but it certainly did not feel like it. Records from the weather station in our garden paint a rather different picture. The average temperature for the first half of May this year has been just 10.1°C, whereas our records over the last sixteen years show an average of 11.5°C for the same period. In fact, according to our figures, so far this is the fourth coldest start to May in the last sixteen years.
Along with the chilly conditions came rain, hail and even thunderstorms. It was hard to believe that this was late spring with summer supposedly just around the corner.
Between the light showers and persistent drizzle, we managed to dodge the worst of the weather while gardening, working at the allotment and taking Ruby for her walks.
Although the weather has been disappointing and progress outdoors has been frustratingly slow, there was at least plenty of excitement at Nostell.
At home and in the garden
Plant and seedling growth in the greenhouse seems to have come to a standstill and many seeds are stubbornly refusing to germinate. We are assuming the lack of warmth is to blame, so we are hoping the forecast milder spell finally arrives. If not, this year’s harvest could prove rather disappointing.
At least some flowers are brave enough to face the elements.
Lily of the valley has always been a flower I associate with my birthday. My mum used to pick me a small posy every year and, as my birthday was on Sunday, seeing it flowering in the garden brought back happy memories.
Out and about
Nostell
There was plenty happening at Nostell on Thursday. We had hoped the cygnets might have left the nest and we were not disappointed. The whole swan family was feeding close to the lakeside, giving us an excellent view. The previous week we had watched five tiny cygnets huddled together beside one of their parents on the nest.
This time, we counted eight cygnets altogether. Six were busily foraging alongside their parents, while two smaller youngsters were enjoying a ride on an adult’s back.
Adult swans are fiercely protective parents and quickly chased away any ducks that ventured too close to the family.
I don’t understand why such a cute little thing could inspire Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale of The Ugly Duckling.
As if the swans were not excitement enough, this year’s National Police Dog Trials was also being held at Nostell. The event was advertised for Saturday, so we were surprised to see activity already underway on Thursday. With far fewer people around than expected on Saturday, we had an excellent view of one dog being put through its paces.
We stopped to watch a police dog called Lightning. Lightning is a Belgian Malinois, a breed commonly seen in top-level police dog competitions. They are athletic, fast, agile and intensely focused, making them ideal for tracking and suspect work.
Lightning certainly showed plenty of enthusiasm when it came to apprehending the “bad guys”. Even with protective padding, I would not have fancied being on the receiving end of his attention. He hurtled towards his target with alarming determination and, once latched on, seemed very reluctant to let go.
Ruby, however, appeared entirely unimpressed. She would far rather have been playing ball than standing around watching other dogs having all the fun.
Finally
Although the weather has tested both patience and gardening optimism, there have still been plenty of moments to enjoy — from spring flowers and busy allotment sessions to cygnets on the lake and the excitement of the police dog trials. With a little luck, the promised warmer weather will soon arrive and give both gardeners and plants a much-needed boost. Until then, we will continue making the most of the dry spells whenever they appear.
As always until next time stay safe, stay well and stay dry
The heatwave has arrived – hooray, though of course it’s gone rather too hot! Your flowers are looking lovely but the tiny cygnets are the winners. So cute!
It’s all or nothing with our weather, Belinda