Here comes winter ….

Thursday

A bit of a frost this morning just to remind us that we are halfway through December, there may be buds on many shrubs but time to get braced for colder days.    Dahlia tubers were lifted weeks ago and are now wrapped in newspaper and stored under the greenhouse bench.   Perfectly safe until the dog wanders in and decides to nibble on the newspaper.        An incredible sunrise this morning, the sun a huge orange ball low down on the horizon and the sky absolutely on fire (my photo does not do it justice at all). Within minutes the show was over, the sun had risen and we are now left with a lovely warm light enveloping the garden.    Chilly though and my plan to be outside all morning cutting back herbaceous plants and mulching with compost is on hold for a while!

Friday

A day later and the thermometer shows minus 6C.    Scented leaf pelargoniums and other tender plants in the greenhouse were covered in a cosy layer of fleece yesterday afternoon.   Won’t open the door for a while but fingers crossed everything is ok.   The benefit of the really cold night though is glorious sunshine, and although I may not work in the garden today – too many other things to do – a few minutes walk around provides some photo opportunities.