March in the pink

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

Scottish_pink_Rhododendron_bush_March_2024 — March flowering Rhododendron. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Happy March everyone! I hope you are keeping well and enjoying some better weather than we are here in the UK. It’s been a dull, damp start to the month so you’ll see little blue sky in my images from the garden this month. However, even though the temperatures have been chilly, the spring flowers are beginning to bloom and the garden is slowly coming to life.

Scottish_garden_pink_Rhododendron_flowers — Candy floss-like blooms. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The Hellebores are taking shape and there are one or two clusters of Erythroniums in the rockery sprouting now.

Pink_Hellebore_and_Dog_tooth_Lily_March_2024 — Hellebore and Erythronium. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The first of the tiny brilliant blue Chionodoxa are popping up in the paths and in the nooks and crannies of the stone steps, and I found this clump of Muscari just taking shape when I was clearing some leaves in the flower bed. They remind me of little blue toadstools at this stage, perhaps something a little fairy or pixie might sit on or under 🙂

Chionodoxa_and_Muscari_March_2024 — The first of the spring blues. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

One of the first shrubs to flower in the garden each year is the Pieris, which always amazes me because it seems so dainty and delicate. Usually I am able to capture these bell-like flower clusters under a glorious blue sky, but sadly not this year.

Early_Scottish_spring_Pieris_March_2024 — Early spring clusters of the Pieris shrub. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

If you were looking at my blog a few weeks ago, you’ll perhaps remember the photo of a pheasant at the bird feeder. Phil, as he is known, is now a regular in the garden and is becoming less timid. There have also been a lot of young deer visiting as well. At the moment, they only seem to be eating the heather, but no doubt it will only be a question of time before they find tasty new buds to eat.

Scottish_young_deer_and_male_pheasant — March visitors. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

That wraps up my post for this week. I’ll have an Easter recipe to share with you in a couple of weeks, so until then, enjoy the new season. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

February flowerings

February 11, 2024February 11, 2024 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

Clump_of_Scottish_snowdrops_in_the_wild — Perthshire wild snowdrops. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. It’s good to see that the garden and surrounding countryside are slowly coming to life here in central Scotland after some wild and wintry weather these past few weeks. I took a short trip out to my favourite local spot in search of snowdrops on one of the brighter days this month and am happy to report that there is an abundance of these pretty little white flowers all along the roadside and verges, a little earlier than recent years.

Scottish_roadside_snowdrops_February_2024 — Roadside snowdrops. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

In the garden as well, right on cue, on the first day of the month, the first snowdrops opened up in the weak, wintry sunshine.

Scottish_garden_snowdrops_February_2024 — The first of this year’s garden snowdrops. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

We’ve had some heavy frosts, a little snow and plenty of wind and rain since then, and subsequently some of the other flowers in the garden have become a bit bedraggled.

Light_February_snow_on_a_Scottish_garden — Light dust of early February snow. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Rain-soaked_garden_crocus_and_primrose — Rain-soaked February flowers. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I took this photo of the glorious red Rhododendron in the garden when it first opened at the beginning of the month. Sadly it looks a bit less radiant now it has been rained on and frosted all over.

Red_rhododendron_February_2024 — Red Beauty. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

There have been survivors of all this bad weather I’m pleased to say. The first Hellebore is up and open, and this little Periwinkle was a surprising find last week. The rhubarb is looking healthy as well.

Early_Scottish_spring_flowers_Febraury_2025 — The first flowerings. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

February_2024_rhubarb_shoots — This year’s rhubarb is on its way. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

To brighten up this gloomy month, I recently acquired a new houseplant, a Mimosa, and in the last week it has opened up it’s tiny tight buds into fluffy, bright yellow balls of sunshine. I have everything crossed that it is hardy enough to survive until the temperature and sunshine levels increase later in the year.

Mimosa_flowers_February_2024 — Indoor sunshine. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

I’ll see you again at the end of the month when I will be back in the kitchen. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Happy Hogmanay 2023

December 31, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ 3 Comments

New_year's_eve_morning_Scotland_2023 — New year’s eve morning 2023. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

It’s the last day of the year, and a time both for reflection and looking forward to whatever the next year has in wait. It’s been a busy month and now I have a little time to rest and relax before 2024 begins. We had our first proper snow of the winter yesterday. Once more the garden was transformed into Narnia for a few hours before the rain washed most of it away.

Late_December_snow_2023 — Snowfall 30th December 2023. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

There have been a few frosty mornings this December but on the whole, it’s been reasonably mild with lots of rain and some strong stormy winds.

Frosty_Hydrangeas_and_seed_pods — Frosty garden, windows, flowers and seeds. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

When the sky has been clear enough, there have been some lovely sunrises and sunsets again this month.

Scottish_Sunrise_on_the_shortest_day_of_2023 — Sunrise on the shortest day of the year. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The garden has recently welcomed another new visitor. This magnificent pheasant (christened Phil) has been strutting his stuff along the garden wall to get his lunch at one of the bird feeders. He has become a garden regular and seems to making himself well and truly at home.

Male_pheasant_eating_from_bird_feeder — Plucky Mr Pheasant. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I hope you have a good time however you are celebrating this new year’s eve. I’ll be keeping cosy, with my feet up, having a slice of fruity ginger cake and a raising a glass of ginger wine to welcome in 2024. My best wishes to you all. Happy New Year:)

Ginger_wine_to_toast_Hogmanay_2023 — Toasting Hogmanay with ginger cake and wine. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

October: fruit, frosts and lots of rain

October 29, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ 2 Comments

Scottish_garden_cooking_apple_harvest_October_2023 — This year’s cooking apple harvest. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello there. It’s been a very varied weather picture here in central Scotland this October. It was mild and kind at the beginning of the month, which presented perfect conditions for bringing in this year’s harvest of apples and pears. Compared to last year, the yield from the old apple tree and 2 small pear trees was small, but there was still enough to enjoy, and now the trees are having a well earned rest.

Scottish_garden_Comice_and_Concorde_pears — Homegrown pears. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Apple_tree_after_harvest — After the harvest. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

The morning following the fruit picking, the first frost of the season fell, and a few days later, there was another one. A subtle reminder that winter is not too far away.

Scottish_garden_frosty_morning_October_2023 — First October frost. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Frosty_grass_and_garden_foliage — Frosted Autumn plants. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Having had a late spell of very warm weather last month, the trees held on to their leaves longer than usual. The Autumn colours have been really showing in all their glory since the middle of the month. The Japanese maple in the back garden looks as spectacular as ever this year.

Autumn_foliage_of_a_Japanese_maple — Fiery leaves. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

The second half of the month has seen strong winds, a named storm (Babet) and heavy rain hitting this part of the country. Little damage here thank goodness, but lots of flooding around the area. The rain has washed plenty of leaves to the ground, and there are piles to be swept up all over the garden.

Autumn_shades_on_a_grey_day — Autumn on a grey, wet day. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

A_pile_of_Autumn_leaves — Just leaves. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

There aren’t so many flowers in the garden at the moment. But these Bidens, usually a summer annual here in Scotland, seeded themselves and only started flowering last month. The Autumn crocus suffered in the frost and then the heavy rain, and the poor pink rhododendron is very confused by the weather. It produced a solitary flower last week which sadly didn’t last more than a couple of days.

Scottish_garden_October_flowers — Bidens, Autumn crocus and solitary rhododendron flower. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I put the greenhouse to bed this weekend. The tomato plants had just about finished and the last of the aubergines (egg plant) were ready for picking. All that remains are some late season potatoes. I’m not sure how well they are doing but I guess that I will find out in another month or so when I dig them up.

Putting_the_greenhouse_to_bed_end_of_October_2023 — End of season in the greenhouse. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

There was a new visitor in the garden this week. A little hedgehog made its way to the apple tree. I think he/she was in search of dropped bird seed from the feeder above. The prickly visitor rolled into a ball as soon as it heard us approaching. There are plenty of leaves around in the garden so hopefully this little fellow will make a comfy bed in one of the hedges for the coming winter.

Hedgehog_in_a_ball_under_an_apple_tree — Garden hedgehog. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

That’s all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the changing season. Until my next post, take care and my best wishes to you 🙂

September retrospective

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

Scottish_Pink_heather_and_autumn_leaves — Early Autumn vibes. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. I hope this posts finds you well. The season has definitely shifted here in central Scotland, and Autumn is upon us once again. It’s been a mixed bag of weather with some unseasonal, very hot and humid days back at the beginning of the month, and now wet, windy and stormy ones to bring the month to a close. On the whole, it has been quite mild. Given this mixed bag of growing conditions, it is a wonder that the plants know what season it is, like these foxgloves still producing flowers since June.

Late_Scottish_pink_foxgloves_September_2023 — September foxgloves. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to harvest the plums from the small tree in the garden. Like a lot of fruit trees this year, the harvest was good and there were a fair few plums to pick. All now cooked and made into jam 🙂

September_2023_Scottish_garden_Victoria_plum_harvest — This year’s plum harvest. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The next garden harvest will be from the apple tree. I think we’re looking at a more modest harvest this year compared to last year’s bumper crop.

Apple_tree_in_fruit_September_2023 — The old apple tree, September 2023. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Hydrangeas do quite well in the garden due to the acidic soil. This one was planted back in late spring, and although the blooms naturally fade at this time of year, it still adds some colour and cheer in the flowerbed.

Red_Hydrangea_bush — Fading gracefully, red Hydrangea. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

No post from me at this time of year would be complete without a few images of the Japanese anemones. They have done very well this year, surviving the heat and now the wind and rain. As delicate as they look, their hardiness still amazes me.

Scottish_garden_Japanese_anemones_September_2023

Close-up_on_two_pink_Japanese_anemones — Autumn favourites. Japanese anemones. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

My favourite rose bush in the garden didn’t do quite so well earlier in the year, so I was very happy to see new buds forming at the end of last month and some healthy foliage forming. In the past couple of weeks, new heavily scented flowers have opened up along with fresh green leaves.

Old_Scottish_pink_rose_second_flowering_September_2023 — Pink rose, second time around. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

After my hedgerow harvest post at the end of last month, I have been on the look out for more wild berries. Whilst the blackberries and sloes have finished now, there are still plenty of elderberries ripening. On a walk last weekend, I picked this container-full. Once the berries were removed from the stems, I had just under 2lb of fruit which are now stashed in the freezer for later use.

Scottish_elderberries_in_the_wild_September_2023 — Ripe Scottish elderberries, September 2023. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

That’s me for another week or so. I will be back in the kitchen for my next post. Until then, enjoy the change of season and thanks for stopping by 🙂

A fruitful month

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

End_of_July_2023_in_a_Scottish_garden — My garden today. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. July has been a busy month in the garden and greenhouse. The weather’s been cooler than usual, with a mix of bright days and rain showers, but the plants have really been growing very well and yielding lots of goodies throughout the month.

July here in central Scotland is the month for raspberries and cherries. I have been training some new raspberry canes for a couple of years and the rewards are starting to show. Sadly the older canes suffered storm damage earlier in the month, so this may be their last season. Not bad going really, they were planted some 18 years ago! Berries are still ripening on the new canes, so it looks like I’ll be picking for a couple more weeks yet.

Homegrown_Scottish_raspberries_July_2023 — Broken canes but still a good harvest. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The small espalier Morello tree didn’t produce quite as many cherries this year, but I did manage to get the fleece on earlier enough to stop the birds having a lovely feast. I have enough for a pie later in the year, and that’s good enough for me 🙂

July_2023_Homegrown_Scottish_Morello_cherries — 2023 Morello harvest. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

In the greenhouse, I’ve been picking mini cucumbers throughout the month. The tomatoes have started to turn colour, and the aubergine (eggplant) plants have a few flowers on them now – I hope they form fruit.

Scottish_greenhouse_produce_July_2023 — A plentiful greenhouse. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The greenhouse yielded a few surprises earlier in the year when small seedlings started appearing in the soil. I realised after a while that they were sunflower seedlings. I think a mouse must have stashed some of the bird seed in the soil and perhaps had forgotten to retrieve it. Anyway, I ended up with several seedlings which I planted outside back in May, and this month they have started flowering. Not the biggest sunflowers you’ll ever see, but a quirky addition to the garden nonetheless.

Dwarf_Scottish_sunflowers — Mini sunflowers. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

None of my garden produce would be possible without the help of the gardener’s best friend, the bees. They have clearly been busy since the spring blossom was out, and now they have all the garden flowers to feast on.

Summer_bees_July_2023 — Bees at work in July. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

My last image for this post is another view of the garden. It’s been cool and mostly cloudy this past week, and at times it has felt a little bit autumnal. I think this image captures the mood, especially as the globe thistles (Echinops) are beginning to open up and the later summer flowers are coming into bloom. Until next time, thanks for stopping by and I hope to be posting again soon.

End_of_July_2023_Scottish_garden — End of July flowerbed. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

A look back at June in the garden

June 29, 2023July 14, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

End_of_June_Scottish_garden_flower-bed — Everything in the garden is blooming. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. It’s been a very different June this year here in central Scotland. Having had a very warm May with little significant rain, the first 3 weeks of June followed along the same lines. Subsequently, many of the flowers that are usually around for at least a couple of weeks have bloomed early and only lasted a few days in the heat and drought. The weather has broken now, but it has left me wondering what the garden will look like in July and August with so many favourites having bloomed early.

Lilac_Allium_June_2023 — Early June Allium. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Back at the beginning of the month, the Alliums were blooming proudly and looked striking with their tall long stems and intricate star-shaped flower heads. Usually, June is all about Lupins and foxgloves. This year they began flowering in May, and sadly by the middle of the month, they had faded and dried, and the few second flowers also came and went. The foxgloves still have a few flowers at the top of their very long stems, and the bees are still managing to collect pollen from the bell-shaped blooms that remain.

Pink_and_white_lupins_under_a_blue_sky — Purple, orange, pink and white lupins earlier in the month. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Early_June_foxglove_and_Persicaria_bistorta_with_bees — Flowers and bees in early June. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I think the biggest mark of difference in the garden this summer, are the geraniums and day lilies. Both usually provide colour into July, but all the geranium petals have fallen, and only a very few day lilies are left to flower.

Midsummer_geraniums_and_day_lilies — Midsummer blue and gold. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

So here we are at the end of the month. There are still a few peonies in bloom providing rich colour and delicious fragrance, and the old rose bush (which hasn’t failed yet) is looking and smelling wonderful at the moment.

Mid_June_deep_pink_Peonies — Mid June Peonies. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

End_of_June_old_rose_bush_in_full_bloom — Bloomin’ marvellous. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I’ve started harvesting produce from the greenhouse. The baby cucumbers I’m growing were about 3cm long at the beginning of June, and this week, I picked the first couple of fully formed fruit. In the shady parts of the garden, the wild strawberries have done well again this year.

First_baby_cucumber_ripe_and_ready — First pickings. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

End_of_June_wild_strawberry_harvest_2023 — June 2023 wild strawberry harvest. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

At ground level, these two Dianthus varieties are my favourite plants in the garden at the moment. If I keep removing the spent heads, I am hoping that new buds will keep forming and that there will be flowers for a couple more weeks yet.

End_of_June_Dianthus_flowers — Lilac and pink Dianthus. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I’m closing my post with a flower that’s just opened up this week. The first of many (I hope) Japanese Anemones in the garden. This one’s about 2 weeks ahead of schedule. And that’s me, until next time, have a great few days and thanks for stopping by 🙂

Early white Japanese Anemone. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

The merry month of May

May 28, 2023May 28, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

Scottish_garden_Bluebells_May_2023 — Bluebells in sun and shade under a Laburnum tree. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. Welcome to my favourite blog post of the year:) Yes, it’s May, and it’s the most colourful time of the year in my garden. I have a few images to share which capture what’s been happening in the garden over the month. The weather has been mostly dry and a bit overcast, but these past few days have seen things turn warm, sunny and bright.

Mountain_cornflower_and_Bluebell_Scotish_garden_border — Centaurea and bluebell raised bed. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

May is all about Bluebells, Azaleas and Rhododendrons in the garden. The Bluebells haven’t lasted as long as usual due to the lack of rain. The bulbs in the shade are still looking vibrant, and now the Centaurea are coming out, there is even more blue around. All the Azaleas and Rhododendrons are out in full flower now, and are thriving. The colours are strong and vibrant and seem to glow in the sunshine.

Scottish_May_Azaleas_and_Rhododendrons_2023

Red_and_deep_pink_Scottish_garden_Azaleas_and_rhododendrons

Golden_Yellow_Azalea_Scotland_May_2023 — The many colours of Azalea and Rhododendron. Image: May 2023

Earlier in the month, the Tulips were in flower, but like the Bluebells, they weren’t around for very long. These are two of my favourites.

Early_May_2023_Scottish_garden_tulips — May favourite tulips. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The Aquilegia and Lupins have flowered a couple of weeks earlier this year. They really do enjoy the sunshine and are in all the sunny beds and borders of the garden, with the exception of this one which is growing out of the old wall at the top of the garden. Not sure where it came from, and it hasn’t seeded in any other part of the garden, but it is very striking and a fabulous colour.

Scottish_garden_violet_Aquilegia — Wall-growing Violet Aquilegia. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

First_garden_lupins_May_2023 — First of the Lupins. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

There are plenty of Welsh poppies all around the garden again this year. The birds will be especially pleased when the seed heads are ripening.

Scottish_garden_Welsh_poppies_May_2023 — Golden Welsh poppies. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

As well as the joy all these colourful flowers bring, it has been a happy time with the arrival of a new visitor to the garden. I had seen a few glimpses of an adult red squirrel over the lockdown months, but how delightful it was to see this baby the other morning enjoying the spills from the bird feeder and taking a drink from the container of water we leave out for the birds. He/she has been back a few times, but is so quick, it is hard to capture, hence my not very good pictures.

Perthshire_garden_baby_red_squirrel_May_2023 — New garden visitor. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

That’s me for another month. I’ll be back in the kitchen next month. Until then, take care and enjoy the sunshine.

April out of doors

April 29, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

Easter_weekend_2023_apple_orchard_West_Dean_Gardens_West Sussex — Spring flowers galore, West Dean gardens, West Sussex. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. What a lovely time of year it is for flowers and foliage. I thought I would reflect on the month just gone by and post some images of things I have seen when I have been out and about these past few weeks.

Over Easter, I travelled down to England to visit my family in West Sussex. One of our favourite places to visit is West Dean gardens near Chichester. Until this year, I have only visited in mid to late Summer to see the wide variety of fruit and vegetables that are grown there. In early April, the grounds were covered in wild spring flowers and it made for a very pretty scene indeed.

Scottish_garden_primroses_on_a_sunny_April_day — Sunshiny garden primroses. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Back in the garden at home, there are primroses galore, and the grass verges and local woodlands are also decorated with these pretty yellow blooms. My favourite spring flowers, Snakeshead Fritillary, are also out in bloom in the garden, along with lots of Muscari and the first of the new season Bluebells.

April_garden_flowers_in_a_Scottish_garden — April garden flowers. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Scottish_countryside, Loch_Monzievaird_April_2023 — Loch Monzievaird, Perthshire. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Out on a walk last weekend, just a few miles from where I live, there were plenty of primroses growing on the grassy banks of the loch. The golden clumps certainly helped liven up a dull-weather afternoon. The trees are just coming to life now, although I’m not sure how much longer some of them will stay upright given the activity of the local beaver population!

Scottish_garden_Hydrangea_before_and_after_pruning — April garden tasks: Hydrangea pruning. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

The things-to-do-in-the garden list is beginning to lengthen now that the plants (and weeds!) are growing again. Just as I pruned the old heads off this aged Hydrangea bush there was an overnight frost, but fortunately no damage was done. I managed to cover the fruit trees with fleece before the frost descended. Lots of lovely blossom again this year which I hope means plenty of fruit if the bees and insects get busy.

Blue_sky_April_morning_over_a_Scottish_garden — April morning blue sky. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

April_fruit_tree_blossom — Cherry and pear blossom. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

I’ll leave you where I began, with one more image of Fritillaria, captured in West Dean gardens on Easter Saturday. Until next time, thanks for stopping by. See you again soon 🙂

West_Dean_Gardens_Snakeshead_Fritillary — Easter Snakeshead Fritillary. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

End of March in the garden

March 26, 2023March 26, 2023 ~ My virtually free-from kitchen ~ Leave a comment

End_of_March_2023_Scottish_garden_Daffodils — Delightful Daffodils. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Hello again. Today is the first day of British Summer Time here in the UK. The clocks went forward an hour last night, so we will be enjoying longer days from now on until the Autumn.

It hasn’t really felt very summery today though. We have had a mixture of sunshine and light hail storms, and tonight the temperature is due to drop below zero here in central Scotland. No matter, the garden is colouring up nicely so I thought I would share some of the sights and scenes from my garden today.

Scottish_garden_Chionodoxa_lateMarch_2023 — Spring blue carpet of Chionodoxa. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Scottish_garden_Dogtooth_violetes_March_2023 — Dogtooth violets growing in the rockery. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Pink_Hyacinth_and_Grape_Hyacinths_or_Muscari — Lone pink Hyacinth and the first Muscari in bloom. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

As ever, at this time of year, the paths and borders are covered with the tiny, blue Chionodoxa flowers. The bees were all over them earlier in the week when it was milder. The Dogtooth violets are coming towards an end now, but this one looked so exotic today, I couldn’t resist taking another photo. The pink Hyacinth above has been flowering every year for over 10 years. It was a potted house plant that I popped in the ground and it has been here every spring since.

End_of_March_2023_Tete_a_Tete — Tête a Tête. Images: Kathryn Hawkins

Late_March_2023_Scottish_garden_Forsythia — Golden Forsythia in full bloom in the sunshine. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Pink_and_white_Scottish_spring_heather — A tumble of pink and white spring heather. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

Like the Daffodils at the top of my post, there are clumps of Tête a Tête everywhere. I love their sweet fragrance. The old Forsythia gets cut back every Autumn because it becomes much too big for the area it is growing in. It is very old and too established to move, but it seems to cope with the pruning and this year it is very colourful indeed.

Old_apple_tree_in_Scottish_garden_end_of_March_2023 — Spring sunshine on the old apple tree. Image: Kathryn Hawkins

The old apple tree is still looking a bit sad, but I can see buds forming now, and in a few short weeks, hopefully the tree will be covered in blossom again.

The rhubarb is coming along now. The fine red stems look very tempting, but I will save them until they grown a bit longer. As well as the spring flowers, the garden is busy with feathered friends. One in particular sings most of the day and often into the night. I can rely on the robin for some company whenever I’m in the garden, and today was no exception 🙂