"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a
twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
- Vita Sackville-West
A surprisingly warm January with just a few days of below freezing temperatures. Much to my delight my two Prunus mume ' peggy clarke ' bloomed and the bees were busy buzzing in and out of their fragrant flowers.
Pleasant days in the high 60's and 70's inspired me to do some weeding and transplanting. My vegetable garden has done quite well and I have harvested parsley, kale, chard and spinach. The cabbages are forming heads.
My Mahonia, aka Oregon Grape, is a welcome spot of color in January, as are the Hellebores in purple and chartruese.
I know that there's always the danger of more ice and snow so I will take each warm day as a gift and use it wisely. I am eager for Spring to come but I know that I need to be patient for another month or so.
Meanwhile I am spending time in my art studio and making plans for more garden projects in the Spring. My 8 year old granddaughter is super excited because I promised her I would get some chickens this year.
