31st January, 2010.
Recent weather was cold with some snow. Unusually, the frost lasted for 3 weeks and dropped to -10°C. Rainfall for the month was 65% of average at 165 mm, 6.5 inches.
Chores for the month. This month's main tasks will be to improve paths and remove branches and twigs from the lawns. Actinidia and ornamental vines will be pruned soon as they bleed if done later. Mice have been digging up and eating the crocus bulbs. There are still brambles, ponticum and scrub to cut out if the weather is fair.
Trees. All deciduous trees are bare though many still look good. Many have ornamental bark or twigs and some also have graceful or interesting shapes. Many conifers are carrying cones which adds to the overall attractiveness.
Shrubs. Most of the winter-flowering shrubs are yet to bloom but some buds are showing. Daphne laureola has small greenish flowers just now and witch hazels are in bloom though we recently lost several to disease; both are very fragrant. Other daphnes are in bud.
Herbaceous. There are quite a few cordylines here and they have succumbed to the frost. It remains to be seen if any recover. Lenten roses are showing flower buds and the first snowdrops are just opening.
Here are some of my recent photos:-
Left to right and top to bottom are:-
This page is updated every month with new details and pictures.
See also