Our daffodils here are always a little later than most I see out and about locally.
I am not sure which variety they are, as they have been planted
around the lake for decades.
The formal parkland at Compton sits in a basin. The lake keeps its
heat from the summer into the early winter months, then as the
colder temperatures take root, the water temperature drops, which
results in lower temperatures in the later winter weeks. We exist in a
microclimate in our geographical bowl here, meaning the bulbs
flower later and for longer.
The glasshouses are not being heated this winter, it is a trial to
conserve energy & reduce our carbon footprint, we continue with
sheep’s wool and fleece coverings over tender plants. The geranium
cuttings are most vulnerable, but so far, they have survived.
Seeds are being sown and germinating, our guests staying from
Easter should be eating our home-grown salad and herb leaves!
The hens are laying well and are now free to roam under the bare
fruit trees in the orchards, the peafowl & guinea fowl are highly in
tune with each other, enjoying the longer days, not roosting now
until after five o’clock.
The cottages are all looking beautiful and springlike inside, the
narcissus scents are beautiful, we plant up displays in old crockery
and vintage receptacles, which guests all love!
The Valentines week was busy, and romance was in the air!
