It has been a while since I have written a post. I thought it was about time to share a few gardening notes with Spring just around the corner. We have been so lucky this year with our winter. Apart from one cold snap when temperatures dipped to -22c it has been relatively mild. It couldn’t have come at a better time especially with being restricted at home so much.
I have already started doing some garden maintenance in particular pruning some shrubs and ornamental trees. I am probably taking a bit of a gamble but have moved my overwintered plants from the garage to the greenhouse. The fuchsias in particular did not look so good but once I scratched the stems I discovered they are most definitely alive. I do have a little heater as temperatures still drop below freezing at this time of year.
The only shrub of interest blooming currently is the witch hazel which is always a welcome sight in the midst of February. There are also plenty of bulb shoots coming through giving us a glimpse of what is to come.
I was hoping to have one of my hellebores in full bloom. Sadly the cold snap really damaged it so I will have to rethink where I can transfer it to.
Despite limitations my husband and I celebrated both my birthday and wedding anniversary in February. My living room started to look like a florist.
I was fortunate to fit in a trip to the Greenery in Kelowna BC towards the end of February. (www.thegreenery.com). It was such a treat and totally lifted my spirits. The outer greenhouse was full of spring flowering bulbs and plants. In addition there was a large selection of young perennials in 4” pots. I did have to control myself as I know it is still a little too early. Just picked up a few pansies and two large bags of potting soil. For those that love tropicals and succulents there were plenty varieties to be found in the humid main greenhouse..
The Greenery (Kelowna BC)
Last but not least I recently subscribed to the TV app BritBox and I am thoroughly enjoying the British series Gardeners World hosted by Monty Don. (https://www.gardenersworld.com). I am completely hooked. Even I am learning new things from each episode. The one thing that has stood out is the link between gardening and mental health. No matter how big or small your garden is, spending time close to nature and wildlife has huge beneficial benefits to your health.