Not Much 'Boing' To This Spring.

I can't believe that it's the middle of April. Trees are still leafless, herbaceous perennials are only just starting to show, and grass is still not really growing. There are the stalwarts that flower whatever the weather is doing of course, such as Daffodils, Muscari, Hellebores and Forsythia etc. Magnolias are remaining in bud and the lovely red leaf growth of Photinia 'Red Robin' is only just managing not to get scorched by the cold winds that we are having.

Birds are having a difficult time finding food, especially the little ones. We keep all of the bird feeders stocked at home, and really enjoy seeing the myriad types that come to feed. During the week, I was in a garden and clearing an area of undergrowth. This little Robin wasn't bothered about me at all, and spent a long time by my side. I would scratch back areas to expose bugs and grubs, which he gathered in earnest.

 

We've been collecting a few more specimen shrubs for the house in Sandbanks, and among them were these two Yuccas. I haven't heard of this variety before, and even though they were rather expensive, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to snap them up. I must admit that I am tempted to keep one for our garden.....time will tell!

Yucca Gloriosa 'Bright Star'

As usual there has been plenty of rain to be had, which meant a few day where nothing at work could be done. It did however mean that Amanda could finall get some jet washing done at home. We didn't get much chance last year, and once finished, all looked much better.

It's Monday today, lunchtime, and I have just returned home from doing a couple of places in Branksome. As I said at the beginning, there is not much in flower at the moment, but this old favourite that is easily taken for granted was looking good. Forsythia x intermedia can look good left to grow, pruned, or trimmed. This one is squashed between the house and drive, and so has to be kept trimmed. Common it may be, but it's still a gorgeous yellow in my mind.

 

I've returned home at lunchtime because I have taken the afternoon off to finally collect our old family clock from the repairers. It went in six months ago for a full restoration and I'm really excited about it.

 

 

Catch you all later.