Hello again. Remember me?
I took a break from blogging in the autumn, convinced there wasn’t much left to say about the garden. Levelling laurels? Old news. Magnificent magnolias? Been there, done that.
Except… I’ve had a change of heart. It turns out I do want to talk about the garden and maybe some other stuff now and then. So why the break in the first place? Monthly posts started feeling like an obligation – too much like a deadline and then always so much to write.
What I’m proposing is this: I drop in now and then with some random thoughts – no rigid schedule, no particular agenda. It’s as unstructured as this whole garden. Read it, skim it, it’s your call (though I do secretly hope you’ll read it avidly).
Now, about those magnificent magnolias
You know how people always say things like “Easter’s early this year” or “Easter’s really late this year”? As though we all instinctively know what counts as punctual for a religious festival based on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. (Yeah, not remotely pagan.)
Well magnolias have their own mysterious timetable. This year they burst into bloom way earlier than I expected – buds opening in the first week of March and now, barely halfway through April, they’re all but done.
Looking back it’s clear they are in a hurry. In 2021 they also flowered in March – but late March – and were at their end some time in May. Same for 2022, while last year they didn’t really get going until early April.
So it’s true, this year the magnolias are setting land speed records, which aligns sadly with what we’re learning about our changing climate and record temperatures. Despite their welcome beauty after the gloom of winter, it’s unsettling to see the natural cycle seeming to break down like this. We can hope it’s just a blip but I suspect we’re going to see more of this before long.
It’s not just magnolias
The daffodils were gone in a flash. Tulips? They rushed onto the scene, defying their April/May packaging to show off in March/April. Maybe that’s just their attention-grabbing, drama queen personalities.
And don’t even get me started on bluebells. Aren’t they supposed to wait until May?
Looking ahead, let’s talk projects
Our ever-growing to-do list is a testament to … something. Perpetual motion? Too many grand ideas? A vain attempt to feel in control?
In the latest version, aka the ‘Spring Edit,’ we’re revamping the woodshed, renovating a terrace, and transforming lacklustre veggie beds into a sunny sanctuary for relaxation.
But remember, it doesn’t have to be just a garden blog. What else do you want me to talk about? (Let’s assume you do want me to talk at all!). Reflections on moving to the country? My occasional – some would say frequent – travels? Tractors? (I guess that’s moving to the country too.)
Let me know, in the comments or via my various social personas – you’ll find me as @lolylena in most places.
Welcome back! Why limit your comments to gardening? Anything and everything although that makes it tricky for tagging
Anything in particular you want to hear about?