Remember, it’s only February

I think that is probably the first time that I’ve ever mowed the lawn in February. The mild temperatures we’ve been having lately – it reached 17.8ºC on Friday – make it feel as though it’s much later in the year than that already. The garden seems to think so as well. It was in dire need of a clear up.

Not only were things beginning to grow and therefore needed some maintenance, but the recent sheep invasions had made quite a mess. First though was an hour and a half on the bike courtesy of a TrainerRoad session called Phoenix.

This was followed by a 30 minute run around the Bird Hide Loop.

It was then time to get busy in the garden.

Busy in the Garden

I cleared up all of the smashed pots and broken furniture that the sheep had destroyed. I then cut down a whole load of the trees and taller shrubs along the southern fence-line and used the wood from these to strengthen the sheep barricade at the bottom of the garden. The rest I got smouldering away on a nice big bonfire.

Bottom of the Garden

Much of the dead-wood from the perennial shrubs and plants was cut back and burnt and I even started some weeding. Next, the lawn mower came to give the grass a bit of a haircut. Things look so much nicer once that’s been done.

Lawn

It’s crazy having to mow the lawn so early in the year. It is only February after all so temperatures could easily drop below freezing for quite a while yet. We could even get a proper cold snap with snow for weeks. The garden is really still in winter mode.

Winter Border
Winter Border

Jobs to do

There’s still loads to do out there of course. I’m going to have to buy some new wood to fix up the raised bed as it seems to be falling apart. Some of the wooden border around the gravel seating area needs replacing too so that will be another afternoon’s work. Then of course there will be the never ending edges to tidy up, shrubs to keep in check and of course weeds to eradicate.

I’m going to have to start over from scratch with the pots as well as the sheep have destroyed them all. Quite a few of the nicer specimen plants that have been killed by them as well. As would be expected, the hardier, tougher plants that are more of a job to keep under control will have survived just fine though.

The bees were out flying while I was working in the garden, temperatures were up close to 16ºC and there were a few flowers to brighten the day as well. I may even be able to harvest some rhubarb soon.

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.