The last week has seen a gradual rise in temperatures here. The ice and frost covered earth has once again been replaced by mud and puddles - thank goodness for my wellies - and even I felt a little too warm wrapped up on our walk yesterday. The seasons are shifting and there is more than a hint of spring in the air. Earlier this week I was woken by birdsong. The glorious dawn chorus. It must have been around 6.15am and it was loud! And so, for the first time this year, I stood at the door and just listened for a while.
I've yet to spend any time in the garden, although it's going to need to happen soon, as I'm looking forward to sitting out there with a mug of tea in the next few weeks. The soil needs turning, the stone flags need cleaning and it looks a sorry mess, as it usually does at this time of year. Winter has lain heavy on the ground and although there are new shoots beginning to appear, the garden hasn't sprung to life just yet, much like myself :) On a positive note, however, there is now a new shed in place and this one is not going to collapse any time soon.
My plan is to not grow any vegetables this year, I'm going with flowers instead. I know I could make more effort and do both but the garden isn't really big enough and, to be honest, I just fancy a change. Just like vegetable growing, with my limited knowledge I will be making it up as I go along, so any advice is more than welcome. I would love to see the garden full of colour.
With the gradual relaxing of restrictions I am looking forward to being able to travel farther afield, and I've been making plans of places to visit as soon as we are able, although I can't complain. Staying local has really opened my eyes to what is on my doorstep and I'm sure we'll be spending just as much time at the river again this summer.
J. X
It's lovely to have a bit of warmth in the air and to see the first signs of Spring it quite lightens the heart, but I know what the British weather is like and we could have snow again before long. I managed to get into my garden yesterday and did a bit of tidying up but the lawn is still saturated with all the rain we have been having and there is a lot of work to do. It's great that you have so much beauty on your doorstep. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking very much like spring just now but the temperatures dipped below freezing again last night and I've woken up to frost this morning. X
DeleteIts absolutely amazing what a big of sunshine and the first buds of spring can do for our wellbeing. It feels a long winter because if lockdown but it is only February. I hope the sunshine continues.
ReplyDeleteThe sunshine is very much welcome. I can almost feel a spring in my step :)
DeleteIt's been lovely to see the sunshine although it's still a little chilly here. I'm sure you'll make full use of your new shed and your garden will look lovely with its display of flowers.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know what I'm doing but I will sow some seeds and hope for the best. X
DeleteSun shining here - still cold though. I am looking forward to going out to see many of the local areas I have not been to. We have explored our home village here and found such lovely hidden spots and like you I know there is such a lot still to see on our doorstep.
ReplyDeleteI have a new appreciation for my local surroundings and it's been wonderful to discover some trails I've not walked before. I went out without my coat for the first time yesterday :)
DeleteGloriously sunny here but when you're in the shade it's flipping freezing! Loving all the green shoots poking through and the longer days, we're nearly there now! x
ReplyDeleteIt's been beautiful here these last few days. I can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive now. X
DeleteWe have had a few sunny days this week but very cold once the sun has gone down and the last two mornings have been very frosty. Temperature was up to 13 degrees today but as I type this at 7.15pm it's down to 7. The catkins and blue sky in your first photo make it look really lovely there :)
ReplyDeleteIt's another frosty morning here but it's going to be a bright sunny day :)
DeleteWhat beautiful photos. Yes lovely to be out in sunshine. I'm afraid I can't give you garden advice. I always wanted my garden to be full of flowers. It was in spring but after that it was hit and miss.
ReplyDeleteIn the next few weeks I'm going to sow some seeds and hope for the best :)
DeleteYay, spring is making its way up there! I'm glad it is warming up for you. Your photos are as lovely as always and how I envy you all that water! I think that concentrating on growing all flowers will be lovely! The butterflies and bees will enjoy that and you'll have a very pretty garden in which to relax. Looking forward to seeing your garden. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope there will be a garden to show, Bless. I really don't know what I'm doing :)
DeleteThere is definitely a warmth about the air - a gentle hint of spring and it is lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt is much needed this year. X
DeleteLovely photos again, Jules. I so enjoy seeing your beautiful part of the country. Things are melting here too, but slowly. I did sit out in the sun yesterday and it had some real warmth to it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. It always feels good to feel the warmth of the sun again following a long winter. X
DeleteSpring is definitely on its way!
ReplyDeleteI went for a walk the other day and took photos for my Instagram @myscrapbookofmanythings and a friend whom I have known for thirty years and lives in the same place but the other side of town as me didn't know the place existed! So I will be taking her there sometime
Julie xxxx
It's great to discover new paces to visit that are close by. I've followed you on Instagram. X
DeleteIt's lovely at the moment and things are shooting up like anything. Really cheering!
ReplyDeletexx
It's much needed, Joy. X
DeleteIt's been lovely to have some blue skies and sunshine, and a rise in temperatures too, a welcome respite from the usual cold that February brings. I've only grown potatoes and tomatoes for the last couple of years for one reason or another and I shall be doing the same again this year.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking of growing potatoes, perhaps next year. X
DeleteYes, spring is definitely in the air. It's surprising how a little bit of sunshine and blue sky can lift my spirits. I'm trying my hand at growing a few edibles this year although I have a sneaky suspicion I may only be harvesting peas and tomatoes! I'm also looking forward to some days out and I'm going to investigate the National Trust again. Not long to the first step of 'normality' again with schools opening. Have a lovely week. xx
ReplyDeleteFresh peas and tomatoes are delicious. I'm looking forward to growing flowers for a change but I might regret missing out on a few home grown veggies. X
DeleteEverything looks so beautiful. I have started growing more flowers, too. They are so uplifting. The birds have been singing here, as well. We have an owl or two on our street, and a new rooster next door. I love hearing the songbirds, as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to hear isn't it. A sign that spring is arriving. X
DeleteOh, I wish I could put my feet in that stream of cold water. It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt’s getting warmer very fast here.
The water is much too cold just now but the river there is often used for swimming during the summer months. X
DeleteWhat a difference a little sun makes to your spirit. I have just purchased a couple of packets of wild flowers that I am just going to throw in the corner of my garden to see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteThat's my approach as well, Lorraine. I've got some packets of mixed seeds, cornflowers and some sweet peas. X
DeleteHurrah for Spring! Another lovely day today too. I have spotted a few wild flowers out and about now as well as lots of Catkins and pussy willow. Definitely looking forward to coming up to Cumbria in April, all being well. Hopefully will be at the caravan and see bluebells this year, something we haven't been able to do yet. X
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to feel a spring in my step now that we're seeing some bright sunny days. I hope you're not waiting too long until you can visit the caravan again. X
DeleteLooking forward to getting out here too, and making a mental list of all the "not obvious" places, because the downside of living on the edge of our lovely National Park is that everyone else wants to be here too.
ReplyDeleteIf this summer is anything like last one, all the well known places will be far too busy, so we plan to focus on the less well-known spots where hopefully there will be parking and some peace & quiet.
Very few veg here too. I have bought some flower seeds from Wilko and made sure that (nearly) everything is perennial. I find annuals so much work for just one season and would rather invest my energy in things which (with any luck) will come back next year and are good for bees. I've sent you a note of what I am trying this year (and as you will see, very little £££ too )
It's good to know of the lesser frequented areas. I only had one experience of how busy it got last year, and that was when we'd been paddle boarding on Ullswater on a gloriously sunny day. It was lovely and peaceful on our section of the lake, so it came as a shock to see just how many cars were parked along the road around Glenridding.
DeleteThank you for the advice. It's much appreciated. X
Such a wonderful photos shared in the blog. The pictures inspire me to travel nearby places in the spring as this is the best season for travelling.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm looking forward to when we can travel once again. X
DeleteMy...what long catkins you found Jules! The weather has done much to bring some much needed cheer to our neck of the woods of late. x
ReplyDeleteThe sunny days really help lift the spirits. I know I've been feeling so much brighter. X
DeleteThe change in the weather has been most welcome, and we too have enjoyed some lovely local walks.
ReplyDeleteYour post was full of lovely photographs, thank you.
Happy March Wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. I hope this lovely weather continues. X
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