Nothing says winter quite like snow. Despite being cold and inconvenient it's also magical and exciting. We are warm by the fire and watching the snow drifting down outside. The cat is not too sure. This is his first snow experience and he seems a bit nervous about the white stuff falling out of the sky.
The first serious winter storm hit with a snowy wet blast and dumped over 75mm in 24 hours. This is exactly the kind of situation the extensive network of swales was built to handle. During the day I made numerous excursions out into the cold to assess and marvel at how the water was collected, channelled and redirected, distributed and absorbed.
This project has been on my wish list for quite some time. With winter fast approaching and aided by our willing workers the new glasshouse is finally complete.
Clone or duplicate plants by dividing. May also be useful to reinvigorate or restart ageing plants. The exact process will differ for each species but generally involves digging up part or all of the plant, carefully separating or cutting rooted sections before removing most of the leaf surface area and replanting in new locations. Post care includes watering and weeding as required.
Divide and replant bulbs such as daffodil, multiplying leeks
Late winter (August–September) is ideal for hardwood cuttings of deciduous plants. This method works well for many woody shrubs, vines, and trees that have woody, mature stems, dormant or slowed metabolic activity and the ability to root easily without active foliage.
Choose healthy, dormant, non-flowering stems.
Plant in moist, well-draining medium.
Place cuttings in a sheltered, bright area with indirect light.
Keep the medium moist, and check for roots after 6–8 weeks.
The weather men predicted this one and issued dire warnings. We are well placed (elevated) to deal with torrential rainfall... just a bugger about the leak in the roof, I thought I'd fixed it.
The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. The good news is that it's going to get progressively lighter day by day (until the end of the year).
In an attempt to break up the gloomy monotony of the long dark winter months we organised a family get together. Lots of food, good company and the obligatory bonfire.
The burned circular area has subsequently been dug and mulched in preparation for planting in spring.
Details
With the recent installation of the chimney oven we have been looking for things to bake and roast. The last of the granny smith apples chopped, drizzled with honey, a scattering of frozen blackberries and a splash of water. Fantastic.