It feels good to be back

High winds during the past few days sent our substantial Barbecue reeling.  There is now a large dent in the lid but Doc doesn’t seem to think the damage will prevent us from eating al fresco in the summer.  It does look rather ugly though and reminds us that the Barbecue needs to be taken into the garage for the winter months.  

Unfortunately, our beautiful Vibernum Opulus – or Snowball tree – is not so fortunate.  It is doubtful those creamy white pom poms will ever light up the garden again.  Instead of breaking a limb, the wind ripped vertically through the main trunk and the injury appears to be terminal.  Doc has been trying to rescue the tree today but his medical expertise will not help save it.  He has done the decent thing and cut it hard back but only Mother Nature will decide whether it will survive, let alone bloom again.  These are the rhythms of the garden.  We must always celebrate the here and now because tomorrow it may be gone.  

 My troublesome foot has been less troublesome of late and I managed to help Doc in the garden today.  Before-foot-problem we would drift off to our respective tasks on the plot but now we spend more time doing gardening jobs together.  The sun was shining, there was a refreshing chill in the air and it was nice to chat as we cut down the autumn fruiting raspberry canes and cleared leaves from the bed.   It is at this stage of the raspberry year that we look forward to seeing the fresh, acid green leaves sprout from the stubbly crowns. 

It may be January but there is a lot going on in the garden and it is not just about destruction.  We were thrilled to clear a pile of leaves and see the first arrow-like stems of the snowdrops, bursting forth in total defiance of winter.  There are also daffodils pushing through the turf in the orchard.

In the flower borders the pulmonaria are in full flower with healthy, lush green foliage.  They are such underused plants but they really earn their keep, flowering from winter to late spring and offering good ground cover.  I love the flowers.   They may be dainty but they are incredibly hardy and the pink and blue combo looks so pretty.

Spring is knocking on the door but we know too much to get carried away.  By 3.30 pm today, the light had faded, the chilly breeze changed to an icy blast and it was time to shut up the shed and go inside for a hot mug of tea.  But as we walked back up the garden path, there was exhilaration and energy in the air.   

As for the Vibernum, it may have left a gap but in every gap there lies an opportunity waiting to be explored.   Who knows what 2015 will bring?