February 2008

Wet and windy would sum up the weather this last month with just the occassional glimpse and hint of something warmer to come.

I know it's seasonal but day after day of wet and windy weather does get you down. Of course even the meerest hint of warmth and sunshine has an uplifting effect.....not only on the gardeners but on the wildlife and flowers as well. To see snowdrops with their heads down on a dull day is pleasant but to see the change that comes over them when the sun shines and they open out their petals indicates that they like the sun and warmth too. Not surprising, really.

The red squirrels are still very active and a bird that's often overlooked, the woodpigeon, is also busy "cooing away" with the males strutting about on leafless branches trying to impress a lady. Woodpigeons are difficult birds to approach and watch in the open coutryside but, as with many species,they become quite habituated when close to people and they are lovely, gentle birds which are well worth watching in the spring.

Well, we are nearly there. We have said that to ourselves a few times over the last month but the Japanese-style garden is almost ready to be used. Just a path to lay and then we will stand back and see how it looks. It's going to be a lovely, peaceful place of that I am sure. But just how lovely and peaceful will unfold as the flowers and shrubs green up and the canopy of the trees encloses the bowl-shaped garden.Fionn's vision several years ago is about to become reality. We hope you like it and find it a peaceful place in which to wander and relax.
Oh, and the putting green. 4 tons of sand have been spread and levelled and a new mower has been purchased....it's going to be fast, very fast! Innes

Garden Gallery