Sunny Sunday

Sunny days have been rare. After a lazy time eating a St Valentine's meal and watching an afternoon film we were in need of some exercise. But in spite of the sun it was cold out so we wrapped up well and had just a short walk by the lake.

The woods have been thinned, with quite a lot of brash and debris on the ground

and the pathways are sloppy with all the rain.

But clumps of wild snowdrops are flowering and soon the shoots of bluebell leaves will carpet and beautify the woodland floor. Although it feels like the depths of winter there are signs of spring.

Snowdrops also decorate my garden borders.

The perennial borders don't look good at this time of year, although I've been tidying up, twiggy remnants of last year's growth remain and the beds look untidy.

But at least the topiary is improving - it might even look like a pheasant by the end of this year!

Even the slightest bit of sun lifts the temperature in the greenhouse

and the 'Blue Moon' peony is flowering beautifully.

But the oranges need far more sun before becoming orange!