The Sun Sets on a Pyracantha for the Last Time!

Laying out the flagstones

The felled Pyracantha.

The sun went down on a much loved Pyracantha....sniff.  For the years we have lived here, it had reposed against the conservatory wall. Blackbirds built their nests in it and enjoyed feasting on its berries so it was the end of a mini era in Pear Tree Cottage Garden.  One Chris arrived with his chainsaw and removed all the top growth while the other Chris dug out its roots and laid some reclaimed York flagstones in its place - all rather grave-like! We have decided to pave over the area and, when the wall has been repainted, to place another garden seat and some planted up pots in its place. On the upside, we now have a lot more room on a paved and flat area. In a sloping garden like ours, that's a bonus! Talking of bonuses, it was a relatively spring-like day and a trusty apprentice appreciated ending the day no longer numb with cold!

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In happier & healthier days!

Jetty Building - Phase I

Building the base

The vernal equinox - the real first day of spring not the meteorological first day of spring! (Haven't quite worked out why we now have 2!) saw the beginning of a new garden project in the garden at PTC The pond is getting its very own jetty! A idea which has been on the cards for some time but now work is well underway. The general idea is to get as far away from the appearance of  'decking' as possible and to achieve a more rustic appearance altogether. We made huge progress and, with Chris's usual attention to detail and accuracy meant that the entire structure is 100% square, level and upright! He even cut, inserted and trimmed tiny wedges to ensure both fence posts live up to his high standards of excellence.

Boarding the base

We plan to erect a small fence around part of 2 sides to enclose it a little and to reduce the chances of a chair leg being dangerously close to an edge! I know it's difficult to imagine enjoying a sundowner when it's -4C outside but I'm ever the optimist!

Overhanging the water - safely!

2 of the 4 fence posts in position.

Snowdrops in the Snow!

March blizzards??? Not exactly the best weather for dividing and planting snowdrops but, I wouldn't mind betting that these little beauties don't even know they've been moved! They have brought both light and life to the Aspen Grove. In the past we planted Dogwoods and Alchemilla Mollis but neither were a success. For a couple of years, we've just had wood chip which had the benefit of smothering 99% of all weeds. Both Chris and I love the woodland look and when the Aspens are in full leaf and the ground beneath in full shade, the snowdrops will have quietly died back and will flower again next spring when they have more light. I'm not a Galanthophile but would guess that these are probably Elwesii. Hopefully they will thrive and spread in their new home!

It took more time removing ski trousers, over trousers, 3 pairs of socks and 6 layers of fleeces afterwards!! Such Arctic weather in March just 'ain't natural!

Nibs are Easier than Brushes!

The tool shed sign is repainted for spring!

Hypothermic Hellebores looking Happier!

Following the thaw here at PTC, it's lovely to see that the Hellebores and Snowdrops are slowly recovering from their heavy and deep blanket of snow and are slowly raising their heads once again - well, inasmuch as Hellebores do!  These most showy of early blooms always bow their heads so modestly.  It's amazing to realise that last week they were entirely buried beneath deep snow.

General Stores - Open for Business!

 Having finished a sign for the new hut using Chris's pyrography iron, Chris (Genever) kindly hung it up pronouncing it officially open for business! The pine disc was a present from Maureen and  is another cherished piece of Draycott in the garden! 

This was the hut that we were building back in November. As it actually as it is a bit of a general store, it seemed a pretty fitting name. It stores over wintering Dahlias, home grown apples and miscellaneous garden paraphernalia. Chris also drilled some heavy duty metal eyes into the house wall enabling the Wisteria to be tied securely back against the brickwork.

And now - the big thaw!

What a difference a day makes!!  In 24 hours, deep drifts of snow began melting away today. The garden was filled with sounds of dripping water and bird song once again. The girls are back in their 'House for Hens' as the temperatures were back up to 8 degrees from -4! Even the ice on the rain chain has all melted. The poor Hellebores are struggling to recover as they make their second appearance of the year. No sign of snowdrops yet.

Reappearing Hellebores.

The thaw begins.