Late Winter peace

This week at Heale, HG was on holiday and it has been cold and changeable, one minute rain, then sun, then wind, then hail. The ground has been frosty first thing, I was even raking up debris with bits of ice.

One day I worked alone which I find quite tricky, I like to chat, so I was chatting to anything that would listen, mainly Pigs, Robins, even Papadum the Peacock, who gracefully potters about like he owns the place.

Being alone does mean a time to reflect on what has been done and also what is to come. There was a lull, still plenty to do, but now it seems like we are building until it all goes mad for growing season.

The great banks of Miscanthus guarding the river need cutting around this time (late Feb best really) so myself and Andrew began the task. One person holds the grass whilst the other hedge trims it. Lots of waste and much mess to sort but they look very neat once done. 6 beds down, 6 to go.....

I carried on pruning an old and big Wisteria sinensis which takes time but is very satisfying. A Rosa rugosa I had helped to prune last year is pleasingly coming into bud again.

Snowdrops are up and Aconites along the banks. Magnolias are in bud and perennials are forming their clumps again through borders.

The Pigs decided to go on the rampage. I was startled to see a pig wander past the veg garden as I was working. She followed me back to her home along the river and was very obedient. Twenty minutes later and the cafe owner strolls through the meadow with a pig! Back she went. Third time I heard snorting and snuffling behind me, she was racing across the field opposite the river. I beat her to it and found the gate to the Japanese bridge ajar and closed it just in time! She must just be extra hungry in the cold.

I am getting used to country rituals, yesterday was the last Shoot of the season, so many peeps arrived and all day I heard shots and saw Pheasants escaping through the air. Go on the Pheasant.

Never a dull moment on a big estate.