Well things have come to an abrupt halt here at Brecon Blooms. Snow arrived Friday morning and whilst we've only had 3-4 inches the sub zero temperatures are really taking hold. It was -14c this morning when I woke up and it's only crept up to -6c. I know it's not that cold compared to many parts of the world but for Britain these freezing temperatures and snow are somewhat unheard of, especially in November. If you want drizzle, rain and wind and temperatures of around 8c then the UK is your kind of place.
So, I'm currently sat indoors with the smell of freshly baked mince pies wafting through the house. I know it's a bit early for mince pies but I try to justify my baking of them by saying that Advent starts today at church. Mind you, I'll eat mince pies all year round given the chance!
I went and checked the flower plots and tunnel yesterday and everything has slowed down considerably. Even the Hyacinths and Narcissi we have in baskets, tubs and planters that we have been forcing have slowed down. Inside the tunnel is was quite chilly so yesterday was spent carting all the 'indoor' bulbs into the warmth and shelter of the house and every windowsill. shelf and table is jam packed. I looked like a bit of a Michelin man pushing the wheelbarrow along in the snow, dressed in ski clothes, thermal wellies, and hat with ear flaps, I trudged to the house with barrow after barrow of bulbs. At least they are all safe now.
I find that many people prefer to buy bulb planters when the bulbs are just about to bloom. For me though, half the joy of receiving such a gift or indeed growing bulbs of any sort, is watching it grow and start to bud and then the finale of the flower/s. I get as much pleasure out of watching this small powerhouse of nature grow into something beautiful as I do the glory of the flower at the end. Not to mention seeds. It never ceases to amaze me.
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| The lane up to the farm |
On the farm front.... there are a few cows that are ready to calve so they are getting special attention. With the snow and ice the daily tasks of feeding and bedding down the animals get that bit more difficult. Plus the sheep need hay putting down in the fields whilst the grass is covered in a blanket of snow. The farmer is busy skidding about the yard like a duck on an icy pond and the only way to get about is either on the quad bike or the 4wheel drive truck.
Right, I'd best get on with cooking some lunch. Which I don't mind as it's a sneaky way of keeping warm and snug in the house.
Bloom on
Cathy
www.breconblooms.com
Dear Cathy, This extreme winter weather really does make everything involving work outdoors much more difficult. It looks so beautiful but is so disruptive to the usual routine. I am pleased that you are able to keep warm inside and the sound of the mince pies makes my mouth water.
ReplyDeleteHeard it made -18° somewhere in Wales. Incredible.
ReplyDeleteFound you on Blotanical, and left you a message there too.
I live in the hot tropics, so I do envy your beautiful snow. We are having rainy days which are also damaging to my plants.
ReplyDeleteSue, the -18 was only 20 miles away. We only got down to -14. It hasn't got above -4 for the last 4 days.
ReplyDeleteAutumnBelle, I spent a lot of time in Malaysia and SE Asia as a child and in this snowy weather I do yearn to go back to the tropics. Even if it is raining. To stand in some warm rain would be lovely!
Edith, this weather is certainly making working outdoors more difficult. I've given up counting how many times I've slipped and fallen over in the last few days.