Easter usually provides a nice long weekend to prepare the garden for the approaching summer. This year was no different, although the high temperatures of the previous week were replaced with night time sub-zero figures and snow!
The frogs returned to sing through the night
And eventually we were blessed with some spawn!
The spring flowers have been spectacular this year. We added as many crocuses as we could find, moving some from the Patio Borders to the front garden to make a bigger impact.
Every day, we have inspected our five cherry trees for signs of blossom. The one in the Yen has formed its dangling buds, and there are a fair few buds forming on the Tibetan cherry. We know what to expect from these two trees. The other three were planted after the blossom had passed so we're not entirely sure when they will appear in our lofty position. It's an exciting time!
Something equally, if not more exciting is the appearance of numerous flower buds on the wisteria! Last year we had a single bloom. Following again the rule of 7s and 2s (cut back to 7 leaves in the summer and cut again back to 2 buds in winter as per TV gardener Adam Frost), this seems to have really paid off.
We have had an Arctic blast this week however, so we have everything crossed that we haven't lost many to the frosts.
The same applies to our about-to-flower magnolia George Henry Kern.
The peeling bark of the Tibetan cherry.
We have two of these evergreen Osmanthus Burkwoodii in our front garden and this year they have had an extremely good season, smothered in tiny white scented flowers.
All our spring to-do tasks have been ticked off. The fence panel above was a little neglected due to the neighbour's ivy which has now been cut back and the panel painted.
The folly and the bottom shed have also received a lick of paint, this time in a little more subdued shade.
And finally all four compost bins have been emptied and the compost spread across almost all our beds and borders as a mulch...just in time for the plummeting temperatures.
And after 3 months, Daisy has had a proper haircut.
April is a month of change. So many things in the garden happen so quickly, almost hourly. As things improve in the borders, things are steadily improving "out there". Let's not rush things. Please continue to cover your mouth and nose, keep to the approved distances and keep washing your hands or using hand sanitiser.
Stay safe.
