Through the garden gate in February


Welcome to through the garden gate for February. The keen eyed among you will realise as this is Brixham it isn't my garden gate and the sailor isn't my husband! It does look however a good gate for a coastal garden!


So what has been happening in the garden this month?.......


Well the first minature daffodils have appeared and also our first tulip. With drier weather this weekend the grass has been cut for the first time and that makes everything look so different. Has anyone else cut theirs? There was mention on the radio the other day that grass cutting had begun!



I bought some snow drops from the market to replace the crocus bulbs I previously mentioned had disappeared.  It always good to buy from the market, as not only are they cheaper but it comes with free advice, I was told that when the snow drops heads go yellow -tread on them and rub them into the ground and it will help increase the clumps. After I had bought them I also learnt that mice like snowdrops too!  The bulbs dry in the ground over the summer and are full of starch, which the mice love. Apparently the way to avoid this is to plant them 4 inches deep.


This time of year my thoughts always turn to what to grow in the summer. One of my birthday presents was a voucher for Sarah Raven catalogue. It has taken me a week to decide what to buy as I couldn't make my mind up - there was so much choice! I eventually decided on a clematis and cosmos and zinnia seeds.


 I also bought a pot of red pelargoniums plantlets to pot on from the garden centre. It contained 18 tiny plants, we shall see if they all survive!! We have moved them out of the greenhouse and into the conservatory, as we have had a few frosty nights.



The kale and mixed salad leaves planted in the greenhouse are giving us a good crop. Unlike the kale crop in the vegetable garden, which the pigeons have also discovered. They were even trying to pull the fleece off it the other morning after we had taken steps to hide it!


 Finally, as I started with the coastal theme, I will end with it too!

West Bay looking towards Lyme Regis

Another sunrise at West Bay, I so nearly didn't get up early to capture it, but I'm so glad I did!

West Bay looking along Chesil Beach to Weymouth & Portland at sunrise.

 What is the best thing in your garden right now? If you wish to join in with "Through the garden gate", please mention this in your comments below.
 Sarah x

Comments

  1. Kezzie28 February 2016 at 21:27

    Oh wow, your kale inside is doing well! I'm glad I didn't plant any now as we moved but I'm sad I don't have any!x

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  2. Marie Smith28 February 2016 at 22:25

    The snow is disappearing here early this year but it will be months before anything grows. We have a short growing season compared to you.

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  3. elaine 28 February 2016 at 22:26

    It is lovely seeing the garden starting to perk up. I have a pathetic clump of snowdrops which I seem to dig up every year when I am weeding, quite a few daffodils out and a few crocus, lots of hellebores - and that's about it, we cut our lawn a few weeks ago, but it does seem to be growing quite rapidly with this milder weather. That is one gorgeous sunrise - they are lovely at this time of year as are the sunsets.

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  4. Gracie Saylor29 February 2016 at 00:24

    I love that we each have Daffodils growing around us now even though we live across the pond from each other, Sarah :) I was recently given a pot full of Snow Drops and was encouraged to Google how/where to plant them. Thanks to this post, I now know what to do. I'm glad you got up early to take that photo, too. xx

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  5. ANNE29 February 2016 at 00:34

    Oh how I wish winter were over! For now I'll enjoy your preparations.

    Happy Sunday Sarah! xo

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  6. Cathy29 February 2016 at 00:42

    We had a delightfully "warm" day here of 63 degrees! I worked in my garden clearing away leaves and dead plant material and found lots of daffodils coming up. Nothing in bloom yet, however. We have had snow storms in March in years past, so I really can't look for Spring until April. Your garden looks lovely. It is great that you have a green house in which to start your plants.

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  7. Rosemary29 February 2016 at 08:44

    It's a lovely time of year when the sap is rising and colour starts poking through the soil. Your garden is looking well established already - you have done really well in giving it a mature feeling so quickly.



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  8. Vintage Sheet Addict29 February 2016 at 09:07

    It's an exciting time o year for us gardeners...you can see signs of life everywhere...I think my snowdrops got accidentally buried under the studio some more will be needed as I do love them. Your garden is looking fab, I have greenhouse envy! ;) xxx

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  9. Dartford Warbler29 February 2016 at 09:16

    Your early spring garden is beautiful.
    I love the sunrise photo.
    The best things in our garden at present are the Lenten hellebores and a big camellia bush in full flower.

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  10. Castles Crowns and Cottages29 February 2016 at 11:16

    Good morning dear, dear Sarah!

    What a fun and inspiring place to visit and DREAM of the sea. You are already enjoying blooms! We are not quite there yet, but I do predict we will be earlier this year than ever.

    Enjoy the salty air and sweet surprise of spring. Anita

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  11. Louise29 February 2016 at 11:26

    Looks like things are coming along nicely in the garden. My dad cut the grass on Saturday and then when I logged into the 365 project website I use that night, I saw several photos of 'the first cut of the year' and realised that this weekend it seems half the country has been out mowing!

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    1. Down by the sea3 March 2016 at 18:17

      I didn't hear many lawn mowers here over the weekend, but it is good to read we weren't the only ones! Sarah x

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  12. Jess29 February 2016 at 11:40

    That's such a familar scene in your top picture of Brixham! He looks just like someone we used to know called Barry so he has that nickname for us now. ;) I'm so happy to hear you've cut your grass, that means I can do it too without feeling it's too early! Your snowdrop advice is really interesting, I didn't know that mice could nobble the bulbs if they weren't planted deeply enough. Have a lovely week! Jess xx

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  13. Sigrun29 February 2016 at 12:22

    Hi Sarah, I wait for spring - it is comming soon. But not so quick as your spring - I have no daffodils flowering. Today I wait for snow - I hope, it will not come.

    Sigrun

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  14. Anonymous29 February 2016 at 13:25

    I've been admiring the Sarah Raven catalogue for a few weeks now! Your kale and salads are looking good. No wonder the pigeons are after them :-) Well done on getting that sunrise shot – very lovely x

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  15. maureenlthompson29 February 2016 at 14:35

    Your early flowers are lovely. In Missouri it is still quite cold. Our daffodils have sprouted up but will likely be killed off early as we are still getting frosts. The grass is still brown although there is some green trying to peek through. Tress are still bare. All in all not a lot happening here.

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  16. Things and Thoughts29 February 2016 at 17:16

    Yes, it's time to get busy preparing the garden for spring and summer. Sunny days allow us to perform a lot of gardening tasks, how happy I also feel about that!Your garden looks so promising Sarah!
    Olympia

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  17. Julie29 February 2016 at 19:11

    It looks like your garden is thriving. I've had pigeon problems too.....a whole load of cabbage eaten to nothing. I did spot the problem earlier on but decided just to let them get on with it - probably a very silly idea! I love the Sarah Raven catalogue as well, and agree that it is very hard to pick from! Juliex

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  18. Coastal Ripples29 February 2016 at 19:17

    You are well under way and looking good. I'm going to try again next autumn planting snowdrops and take your advice. No doubt I have been planting far to shallow and my little mice friends have been nibbling. Just about to get busy with my seeds , I thinks the time has arrived! :) Barbara X

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  19. Draffin Bears29 February 2016 at 22:03

    Dear Sarah,

    Loved seeing all the beautiful plants growing in your garden - the daffodils and tulip are a sure sign that Spring is on its way.
    Spring is my favourite season, seeing all the new growth and tiny bulb flowers appearing. Also enjoy seeing your wonderful seaside photos.
    Have a happy week
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  20. Gerrie Mackey29 February 2016 at 22:17

    I love your daffodils, so cheerful at the beginning of spring, and your vegetables look great....we've almost given up on some of ours as we had white butterfly problems.
    That sunrise is lovely. I have visited the Brixham area, (years ago) and it takes me back..

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  21. rusty duck29 February 2016 at 22:40

    No mowing yet. The lawn is still far too soggy!
    I'm impressed with your kale. What a good idea to grow it in the greenhouse. It's the slugs that get mine here.

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  22. Margaret29 February 2016 at 23:33

    Your kale looks really healthy, Sarah. I've never thought of growing it in the greenhouse. I'm loving the miniature daffodils in my garden at the moment and I'm looking forward to seeing the Sarah Raven tulips which I planted in tubs last year. They were a birthday present. Here's my contribution to 'Through the garden gate' hope you enjoy coming through the gate into my garden! http://margaretspatch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/through-garden-gate.html

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  23. Art and Sand1 March 2016 at 16:57

    Every time I read one of your posts I want to hop on a plane to visit.

    The best thing in my garden right now is more pop of color each day.

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  24. Lowcarb team member1 March 2016 at 21:54

    Yes ... through February and now into March some have had to give their grass a cut. Someone did also say they had spotted a bee!

    Your Spring flowers are looking a treat and I am so pleased you've shared your beautiful sunrise.

    All the best Jan

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  25. Wendy2 March 2016 at 13:21

    Hello Sarah. It's lovely to catch up with your blog once again and see how your garden is. You have some beautiful early spring flowers in bloom. The sailor in the gate made me smile! Grass cutting has taken place here recently, although there's been so much rain over the past couple of days I expect it'll be a while before it happens again!

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    1. Down by the sea3 March 2016 at 18:16

      It's lovely to see a comment from you Wendy again after so long! Sarah x

      Delete
  26. Unknown2 March 2016 at 18:53

    Hi Sarah, I do love reading about your gardening exploits but alas I am not much of a gardener myself, growing mostly plants in pots, I have a terribly minute garden with a sliver of soil down each side, having said that my Camillia japonica is in bloom, we bought it on the bargain section in our local nursery, but it's done really well in our soil and all the flowers are blooming! My daffodils are sparse and few and far between, but my tulips are slowly growing. Have a lovely week. Sharon

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  27. Madelief2 March 2016 at 18:56

    Hi Sarah, Beautiful photo's of your garden! There is so much in bloom already. I think you must be one or two weeks ahead. Oh to have tulips already.....I can't wait! I haven't started seeding yet either. Hope I will find some time this weekend.

    The books by Sarah Raven looks interesting. Is it good Sarah?

    Have a lovely evening!

    Madelief x

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    1. Down by the sea3 March 2016 at 18:07

      Hi Madelief, The photo showed one of Sarah Raven's catalogues' on top of another book we were looking at on pruning. I would however, recommend all Sarah Raven' books on gardening. Sarah x

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  28. Angela3 March 2016 at 03:25

    We do not have snow drops around here Sarah and that is sad for they are adorable! I shall ask around and see if I can buy bulbs. Holly Heavens! Those are lovely photos of the waters. In May we will do gardening. Happy gardening to you!

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    1. Down by the sea3 March 2016 at 18:15

      I don't know whether you are able to find snowdrops that are already growing. They always recommend planting snow drops when they are 'in the green', rather than buying them as bulbs. Sarah x

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  29. Catherine3 March 2016 at 14:50

    Sadly,my little spring garden has been thoroughly trashed by the dogs these last few weeks, so not much happening there, but reading this has reminded me I must tend my indoor plants, the over-wintering pots in my garden room that are currently neglected!

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  30. kristieinbc3 March 2016 at 15:13

    It's nice to finally have some time to catch up on my blog reading. Thanks for passing on the tips about the snowdrops. I planted some two falls ago, but this spring hardly any have come back up. When I replant this fall I will be sure to put them 4" deep. Your kale and salad greens are looking great! My garlic is now about 6" high, and I still have a bit of my fall kale to harvest. And this week I hope to put in some arugula and some spring kale.

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  31. Handmade in Israel3 March 2016 at 17:12

    Your garden looks lovely! So enjoyed seeing the daffodils and those beautiful snowdrops!

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  32. Countrylovers3 March 2016 at 21:40

    Dear Sarah,

    there is something going on in your garden. It´s wonderful to be a witness of a new born garden every spring. Can´t wait until I can go out wearing a t-Shirt and start working in the garden.
    The garden gate with the sailor painted on is so extraordinary, I love it!
    Enjoy the mild days coming.
    Best wishes from Barbara

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  33. Red Dirt Farm4 March 2016 at 07:41

    Sarah - I do so think that Sailor is quite the handsome one/ It does my heart so good to see your blooming flowers, it feels as though spring is just so far away yet here in the states. It is snowing as I type this. That purple tulip is lovely too. Thanks for the lovely lift. Best, Kim

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  34. Roses, Lace and Brocante4 March 2016 at 18:49

    Hello Sarah
    I would love to join in with "Through the garden gate" but being in New Zealand we are opposite seasons!
    My garden is looking a little sad after our long, hot, dry summer. However there are still moments of joy when I find a rose has appeared that I can pick for inside!
    I love the old salt behind the door!
    Your garden is looking so fresh and full of Spring arrivals! I can see the new green grass too!
    We've been to England a few times but not to Dorset - it looks lovely!

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    1. Down by the sea4 March 2016 at 19:21

      Hi Shane, You are still very welcome to join in, not matter what season you are in. It is so good to experience two different seasons at the same time. Sarah x

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  35. Angela5 March 2016 at 00:01

    Thank you Sarah for the info on Snow Drops. Thank you for all the lovely photos. I am now your newest follower!

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  36. Fran5 March 2016 at 06:44

    What a good idea to grow the kale in the greenhouse, will keep that in mind later in the year. Your pictures are always so beautiful, such glorious shots xxx

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  37. HWIT BLOGG6 March 2016 at 14:32

    Oh you alreday have springtime! Lovely! Today it´s raining and it feels like an day in november, really boring...
    Take care now!
    Love from Titti

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  38. BadPenny6 March 2016 at 16:31

    I am enjoying the delicate tete a tetes in my garden at the moment x

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  39. Casa Mariposa12 March 2016 at 03:40

    There isn't much to see through my garden gate right now so I'd rather come through yours! My daffs have just begun to bloom and the hellebore are putting on a show but everything else is still quite sleepy. I love the first picture! What a great painting and stairwell. :o)

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