First of all: A Happy 2017 to all of you! After 2016, which I'd euphemistically call "interesting", I do hope that this year turns out to be less of a car crash than a pessimist might fear it to become. But even if the world at large seems going to the dogs, at least on an individual level I wish we can all enjoy a peace- and joyful year. May you savour many special moments full of joie de vivre and build many happy memories!
It's been longer since my last post than I intended to. Indeed, I had written a post, moaning about how indoor plants seem to go badly with traditional Christmas decoration. But just as I was finishing it, news broke about the terror attack on the Christmas market in Berlin, Germany. I couldn't bring myself to post what I had written. Any attack is horrific and disgusting, of course. But if it hits your hometown, it feels a little closer to the bone still...
Anyway, this is going to be a short post, too, as half the family is still down with a nasty stomach bug we have had for the past few days. I'm manning the fort - but have little time for anything else.
It's been longer since my last post than I intended to. Indeed, I had written a post, moaning about how indoor plants seem to go badly with traditional Christmas decoration. But just as I was finishing it, news broke about the terror attack on the Christmas market in Berlin, Germany. I couldn't bring myself to post what I had written. Any attack is horrific and disgusting, of course. But if it hits your hometown, it feels a little closer to the bone still...
Anyway, this is going to be a short post, too, as half the family is still down with a nasty stomach bug we have had for the past few days. I'm manning the fort - but have little time for anything else.
Over the Christmas break we enjoyed some fine days, with splendid sunshine and sparkling blue sky. So despite my default mode of turning into a sloth for that precious week between Christmas Eve and New Year, I went out in the garden and managed what I didn't do all autumn: tidy up.
Stalks of phlox and michelmas daisies - soddenly keeling over, looking decidedly drunk - half-rotten flowers and old leaves, etc. etc. were all gathered into a big bag. I was careful to move any critters hiding within as well and left the bag standing open, in case some others wanted to move in as well.
As we haven't had any real frost yet - at least not in my garden - last years ornamental sages (Salvia species) are still in bloom, as are some chrysanthemums, pelargoniums and fuchias. Their vivid colours of pillarbox red, deep blue and magenta or rose pink make an odd mixture with the white cyclamen, lilac pansies and hellebores. This year, the latter (forms of Helleborus niger) were Christmas roses indeed, flowering their little heads off on the special day already. Most years, they bloomed later for me. I know I should cut some to take inside and appreciate at close quaters, for only then will I enjoy them in all their beauty and detail. But somehow I didn't have the heart to do so.
Stalks of phlox and michelmas daisies - soddenly keeling over, looking decidedly drunk - half-rotten flowers and old leaves, etc. etc. were all gathered into a big bag. I was careful to move any critters hiding within as well and left the bag standing open, in case some others wanted to move in as well.
As we haven't had any real frost yet - at least not in my garden - last years ornamental sages (Salvia species) are still in bloom, as are some chrysanthemums, pelargoniums and fuchias. Their vivid colours of pillarbox red, deep blue and magenta or rose pink make an odd mixture with the white cyclamen, lilac pansies and hellebores. This year, the latter (forms of Helleborus niger) were Christmas roses indeed, flowering their little heads off on the special day already. Most years, they bloomed later for me. I know I should cut some to take inside and appreciate at close quaters, for only then will I enjoy them in all their beauty and detail. But somehow I didn't have the heart to do so.
A special joy these past weeks has been the song of the Red Robin. Early morning, when it's still dark outside and whilst half-asleep, I'd hear him singing outside our window. And sometimes during the day, he would quietly, dreamily chirp, as if talking to himself. I love it! And it always makes my day when I'm in the garden and he isn't at all shy but comes close, curiously eyeing me and what I do.
I still need to prune the roses and cut back the encroaching tentacles of the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). But this can be done later this month or even in February, if need be. However, I really should have planted the tulip bulbs by now! Alas, the lure of the sofa (and the gingerbread!) proved too strong for me. I feel a New Year's resolution coming on...
I still need to prune the roses and cut back the encroaching tentacles of the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). But this can be done later this month or even in February, if need be. However, I really should have planted the tulip bulbs by now! Alas, the lure of the sofa (and the gingerbread!) proved too strong for me. I feel a New Year's resolution coming on...
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