Slow Spring

The first leaves of the Japanese maples against the white bark of the bare birch tress, Furzey Gardens

So far this has been a weird year.

We had 2 dumps of snow in March and Spring has been very slow to come - until this week and suddenly everything is out at once: the yellow, coconut suntan lotion-y smelling blooms of the gorse, the sloes and wild cherries while the first green pushes through everywhere.

Last weekend a friend and I went to Furzey where the most of the azaleas were nowhere to be seen (I am thinking about going again next Saturday to catch them ...) but there was still some colour about. This weekend it is very warm, I have been working in the garden, reading in the sun and taking a few selfies (haven't done this in a very long time) to document a new hairstyle.

Much love,

Qaroline

First heavy snow in March

The second snow, end of March - the Euphorbia looking decidedly unhappy, camellias wrapped up a bit for protection

Grey skies in Furzey

but some blossom at least

Bare branches in Furzey

but camellias

and the first rhodo blossoms

Weather change!

I would love to have enough space in my garden for a birch tree ... still in Furzey

Hazels in bloom

Heathers and cornus

all together now

A one week old male donkey foal, born in the car park of Furzey Gardens

already a poser

My garden: cowslips doing really well this year

A selection of double-flowered daffodils

Generally I am not a fan of wallflowers but I need something big and orange to counterpoint the bright blue brunnera blossoms

Only one of my camellias is doing well this year, the Madame Vansittart - I repotted the other ones this year, hopefully next year they will be as covered in flowers

Daffodils and tulips and all the little seedlings in the greenhouse

Lungwort, wallflowers and the brunnera, some forget-me-nots intermingled

new side cut

First day I need my hat in the garden! (it's very old and falling to pieces but I haven't found a replacement yet)