Late winter garden.

Looking into the big pond, with reflections too, February 10th. 

A few years ago, in one area of the big pond, Angus threw in stones so that the littler critters (especially dragonfly larvae) can hide from the bigger predators.

Alfie made a fishing rod with a bamboo cane and a bit of garden string.  (For play only).

 There was a mound of soil at the big pond, entangled with willow root stumps. We covered it for a year to clear the weeds and willow (which was beginning to grow) and for the last week we have been spreading it to create a path around the big pond that is level-ish. Alfie and I have almost moved it all now. Alfie still loves to dig and dump! Tivon did a bit too, as in this photo.

Snowdrops being radiant February 10th.

Frosted Echium pininana on February 11th.

Crocus on a sunny morning...

and on a frosty morning.

Roses January 11th.

Several (autumn!) raspberry canes still had fruit on January 11th.
 I haven't known them to go on for so long before.

 Frozen big pond, January 11th.

Alfie planting sweet pepper seeds January 5th.
It's only February and we have already planted a lot of seeds. Tivon decided to grow several varieties of flowers this year. Alfie wants to grow "more seeds than Tivon", and I somehow think I can do so much more this year!

Peppers and tomatoes potted on from their seedling trays, February 6th.
The house is filling up with plants, (this is just one of many plant filled windows).

A clump of Crocosmia / montbretia to be divided.


The hens preparing a new patch for summer flowers.

 We have also been cutting back brambles, pruning trees, shredding, dividing and moving perennials  and enjoying being outside!

Honeybees Oct-Feb. Heptacodium, Snowdrops....

Honeybees collecting pollen from snowdrops, February 10th. 

After a winter of wind and rain, with the first sign of spring the bees have sprung into action. 

While I have been quiet on the blog I have been full of activity in the garden, I have paused now and then for a photo and they will follow!  Meanwhile here are a few of the honeybees.

Snowdrops February 10th.

Little" Tete a tete" daffodils with honey bee collecting pollen, February 18th.

Hellebore February 18th. 

The Hellebores grow well in the shade of deciduous trees and will self-seed freely, but some of our plants are more shaded than others. The bees favour the flowers that are more sheltered from the wind and that receive the low winter sun, especially mid-day/early afternoon sun, when the day has warmed a little, so I will be moving a few plants and any new plants to more bee friendly positions!

Crocus, On sunny days every clump seems to have its own bee!

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In the early winter the bees were on Ivy, Mahonia, Rosemary to name a few.... I just have these photos ....

October 1st.
Honeybees on Heptacodium miconioides. 

Heptacodium, commonly called the Seven Sons plant. October 1st.