Our first winter in Shropshire has been dominated by snow. Neighbours assure us that this year has had far more snow than usual – three times we have been snowbound, once with huge drifts blocking the lane.
The wintry weather has disrupted my plans for the garden. The first lot of snow in December resulted in postponing hedge planting until the new year. Then heavy and lingering snow in late February and early March delayed pruning of roses and shrubs. Nevertheless, despite the snow and bitter temperatures new life was emerging.
A majestic ash tree marks the boundary between the courtyard and the main garden, with bare grey branches sweeping out and up, culminating in distinctive black buds. Strong winds through the autumn and winter have brought down innumerable small branches and twigs – all gathered up for kindling.
Beneath the tree is a deep stony border. I already knew that there were many hellebores and cyclamens, but winter aconites, small irises and clumps of snowdrops were delightful surprises. When the sun broke through on this bed, the small colourful blooms shone amidst the stony soil, lifting the heart.
Thus, this was the first bed in the courtyard that I tidied (when the snow allowed), removing much couch grass and revealing growing leaves of daffodils and bluebells, indicating that the colour of the ash border would continue until the tree’s leaf buds burst.
