Crocus & emerging bulbs

The first of the crocus are beginning to appear. A nice little surprise! First the snowdrops, then crocus, then daffodils will bring cheery splashes of colour to otherwise colourless borders.

Above: About 8 years ago I bought a few bags of bulbs and planted them into this bank. Not sure if the bulbs were eaten by some animal but only a few little flowers ever appear each year. It's difficult to see, but behind this little bank is a 3 feet drop and a dirt lane. This is so cattle can be moved out of the field and into a truck to go to market. The bank keeps the cattle from wondering up into the grass/garden area.

Above: Tulips planted in a large clay pot are emerging.

Above: Daffodils beginning to emerge from sleep.

Jammie takes a break from our bulb spotting.

Snowdrop Study

Snowdrops are making a show... they're so beautiful & clean looking; they bring cheer to wet, windy days.

This is a little study of photos I've taken from around the garden...

Above:I don't remember snowdrops being at the base of this sycamore tree. Goes to show a little walk around the garden every now and again (even on cold, windy days) helps re-discover what's there.

The colours in this bark struck me... is this normal for Sycamore trees? So I googled it... the ETSU website (www.etsu.edu/arboretum/totw.html) says, "It's bark— a “camouflage” pattern of peeling patches, like tan, gray and brown puzzle pieces—eventually turns to a smooth white on the mature trunk and branches." My sycamore is really big, I thought it was mature, but maybe not. My nephew enjoys peeling the bark off when he's playing in the garden.

Left: Snowdrops I moved this year from a congested area in the garden and planted along the driveway. You might need glasses to be able to see the little single snowdrops scattered about. Suppose in a few years time they'll multiply and put on a good show.

A lone snowdrop amongst ivy.

Bad News on the Potato Front -  I'd used all my indoor stored potatoes so I went into the garage to get my last lot... and discovered they'd gone to mildewy mush. This happened to fellow blogger Linda in Scotland; a photo of 'taters-gone-bad' can be viewed from her 4 Feb post at: http://slowgrowinginscotland.blogspot.com/

Winter edibles - chard, leek, taters, rocket

Its been cold this week and frost expected tonight. I spent a day out in the garden last weekend and ended up with a nasty cold - maybe a sign that it's not quite time to get out there yet. I don't have alot happening in the garden at the minute (most things are sleeping) however I've a few edibles...
Above/below: Bright Lights Chard is making its 2nd show like the pack promised, "Plants usually die back through winter, but will 'come again' the following spring to produce a further early crop, before running to see."(Mr Fothergill seed pack, £2.29, 150 seeds). So here's my second crop coming up; plants look a bit dirty from all the wind we've had lately. I think they'll come around over the next week or so.

Above: This plant looks a little sad but I don't blame it after the Winter we've had. (Bright Lights).

I've still leeks scattered around the garden just calling out to be cooked. Last weekend I made potato and leek soup but I wasn’t too happy with it (texture and taste wasn't quite right). Gonna give it another go this weekend. I’ve still potatoes stored in the garage that I over wintered. Right: Frosty leek. Variety: Leek Musselburgh, Carters Tested Seeds, 350 seeds, 70 pence per pack.

Above/below: My very favourite edible item at the minute is Rocket. (Love it!). I didn't have much luck over the summer as my rocket bolted very quickly. I've been growing it over winter on the kitchen windowsill and sowing new seed every few weeks. I like to put a handful on top of chili or spaghetti and it adds a beautiful flavour.

Above: windowsill baby rocket. (good on pizza too!)

On a final note, thanks for all your comments on my blog. I really enjoy visiting your blogs as well. It's great that we share thoughts and ideas across Australia, UK, Japan, USA, etc. Happy blogging everyone.