Cold snap..

A brief, but welcome ‘cold snap’ with temperatures below -3C and possibility of snow forecast.

George’s pond has been frozen for several days..

Great spotted woodpeckers engaged in territorial drumming. A raven has begun using a nearby radio tower as a perching place. Its’ cronking call redonates through the freezing winter air like a corvid foghorn. Could it be attracted by my eagles nest?!

Birds are active on the feeders.

George’s pond has been frozen for several days.

Camelia ‘Yuletide’

The emergence of early flowers of winter aconites and narcissus bulbacodium ‘Casual elegance’ trumpet daffodils is arrested. Camelia ‘Yuletide’ its usual jolly self, ignoring twelfth night.

Narcissus bulbacodium ‘Casual elegance’

Perennials stand throughout the winter here, providing food and shelter for birds, mammals and invertebrates. The seeding heads of teasel draw goldfinches. Architectural cardoons are even better with dusting of frost or snow.

Architectural cardoons..

Had an afternoon with the inspirational Andy Callow recently (Wildlife Gardening guru).

Apologies for the lack of posts… busy on what may prove an exciting project….