February Notes

by David Tidmarsh - 21:12 on 20 February 2013

 Nature Notes

There is a touch of spring in the air, but only a touch, the odd snow storm seems only a forecast away. However we have our stalwart survivors in the form of the snowdrops. There is a clump near the church which is one of the larger hybrids, certainly not native but still spectacular with its large showy blooms, never fails to be the first in the race to show off.  Closely followed by it`s more native cousins that are huddled against the privet hedge, thankful of the shelter that they have found against the cold north winds.
Dwarf daffodils are emerging  from our window boxes that June planted a couple of weeks ago, granted they were in bud when bought but the poor things looked shocked with the snow showers that came down last night, thankfully it has all but gone today, what a difference a few rays of sunshine makes, scarf’s and gloves left indoors for a while.
This week has been one of those that contained the four seasons, strong winds, snow showers, rain and glorious sunshine; you certainly have to be very adaptable in our climates. 
We have a very active mole in our vicinity, thankfully not in our garden but nearby, he or she is producing quite large mounds of what looks like sand and soil. It has been very noticeable of late with the snow covering the grassed areas. When you think of the size of a mole and the amount of soil it is bringing up to the surface it has been extremely busy; I will always remember years ago, my Dad would catch moles in his garden but would never kill them, they would end up being placed in the woods at the bottom of the garden and it wouldn’t be too long before he had moles again, granted they may not have been the same moles.
I spotted a lone daisy flowering merrily away last week, now I think it is a bit early for these little gems, not that you would call them that if you had a good lawn, I must remember to look tomorrow to see if the snow has taken its toll of this young upstart.
Our rhubarb is showing signs of new growth, so I have popped a large plant pot over the top of them to help force up fresh pink stalks. This method of blanching has worked well over the last few years by giving clean new growth. It happened by accident a couple of years ago when I had nowhere to store this large pot so I inadvertently covered the patch where the rhubarb grows and we had a good crop that year. You cannot beat rhubarb crumble!
Thankfully the days are getting longer, you know what I mean?  I love the brighter nights, I always feel better when there is more light in the day, otherwise it just feels like work and sleep, that’s if you like me have not retired yet.
So watch out for the late snow showers, I don’t think you will need the sun cream on just yet. Ken.

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