Signs of Spring.

Although today is another grey, wet day and snow is again causing problems in certain parts of the country there are signs that spring is on the way when one is able to work in the garden.  Last Saturday was a lovely sunny day and Bob and I spent some time in our garden.  Luckily we chose Saturday as Sunday was another awful day with snow on and off all day!  I pruned Monarda 'Squaw', planted last year, and was thrilled to see new growth already emerging around the base.

Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow' is has also thrown up shoots up to 4cm tall among the dead stems.  If you work with any Euphorbia remember to protect hands and arms as the sap can harm skin. Although Euphorbia 'Fireglow' is extremely invasive it is a delight in spring and also colours well in autumn if it is planted in a drier soil.  As well as Snowdrops and Aconites crocus are now starting to flower in our garden.  Daffodil leaves are visible but no sign of any flower buds yet.

Our Hammamelis(Witchhazel) is still in flower and has been flowering for weeks because of the colder weather.  Our Sarcococca confusa is also still providing its lovely perfume.  Flower buds are also showing on Skimmia and Chaenomeles and have not been damaged by the weather.  Unfortunately we are still finding caterpillars alive although there was no sign of slugs which are probably buried well down in the soil.

It was wonderful to spend the day outside and really lifted the spirits.  I just live in hope that it will not be too long before we have more weather so that we can all enjoy being outside in our gardens.