Serious Snow

What a contrast in the weather. Last Sunday was spent in the Artful Garden renewing the rabbit fence where they had burrowed into the garden. I also cleared the back border cutting back the hedge which included blackthorn with its deadly thorns.

We had a nice walk up Carrock Fell. The ground was frozen and towards the summit there was ice and snow.

Slightly hazy at the top

Deep snow in the gullies

Ice makes lovely patterns.

Like ferns and flowers

The view from the top of Carrock Fell.

A stunning view

In the afternoon we walk the dog along the river Eden.

Jill enjoys the snow

Lovely reflection of trees in the river.

A mirror image

Since Tuesday night we have had a serious amount of snow. We now have about 20 cm and currently the Helm is blowing.

Snow on the roof of my greenhouse.

Snow on snow

Sheep in the snow.

Not a blade of grass to be seen

Sometime art mimics nature. My paper mache bird has gone in search of new plumage.

I made the nest from the pruned vine. It was then it was adopted by a real bird.

Bursting Buds

What a difference in the weather within a week. We have had sleet, hailstones, snow, a very cold north wind and frosts at night. Not gardening weather.

A heavy snowfall an the Pennines

I have been planting more flower seeds in the greenhouse where it is nice and warm away from the wind.

The leaf buds on the trees are now bursting into flower.
A horse chestnut tree.

Look how the leaves uncurl

The leaves look like fingers

Our beech hedge at home.

Fragile beech leaves susceptible to the frost

The spirea is a cloud of white.

White froth

The forgetmenot is now in full bloom. I love the way the flower fades from blue to a pale pink.

Tiny blue flowers with a white eye

In the farmyard today was a mother hen clucking away to her chicks.

Hurry up

The farmers are ploughing and rolling their fields.

Neatly rolled

This is a view looking over Penrith.

Looking down Brunswick Road towards the Beacon

An alternative idea for a planter.

Shabby chic

Cacti come in all shapes and sizes.

Do not touch or else

I was fascinated by this cactus that looks like an Egyptian fan.

A cactus 'tree'

We are building a frame for the sweetcorn this is stage one.

The structure still needs to have sides

These Highland cows were at Larbert. 

Och to moo

Snow on Snow

Spring is on its way as the birds are singing in the early morning and looking for twigs, moss and grass to make their nests. The daffodils are struggling to come into bloom.

We are having cold winds and still some snow. These are photos taken a few weeks ago. This is snow that has stayed protected from the warmth of the sun.

Snow on the edge of the road.

Hedgehog snow

Snow sand dunes.

Snow dunes

Snow on the road towards Alston.

A dirty snow verge

This snow was on the top of Hartside, It was about 60 cm high and had been pushed into the verge by the snow plough.

Dirty verge

Leaving Alston yesterday there was a surprise snow shower. The sky was very dramatic as snow was falling one side of the hill and blue sky appearing from the other side. The edge of the clouds looked as though they had been crimped. This all happened within a few minutes.

Illumination

The clouds drift apart to reveal the intense blue sky.

Drama and movement

Down in the valley there was no snow but the suns rays were very evident.

Rays of sunshine

You do not normally find giraffes in Cumbria.

Watching the passersby

I've got a crick in my neck

This castellated building is part of a farm at Clifton.

A tower of strength

What would it be like to live in this tower?

Where is Rapunzel?

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Snow and Birds

We have had rain, strong gales, snow and hailstones all within a week. Snow makes everything look beautiful and softens the edges. My pottery houses looked very festive.

So pretty

A Gaudi inspired house

Snow and flowers

My two birdhouses had snow on the roof and inside.

Baby it's cold inside

I say somewhat chilly don't you think

The bumblebee has a snow beret.

Sparkle

On Tuesday the clouds were amazing. They just looked like feathers. You have to be so quick to take the photo as their shape is always so fleeting.

Feather boa

Drifting floating feathers

Last Saturday we had torrential rain and on a trip to Kendal the reservoir was overflowing. As I stepped out of the car I was almost blown away. It was a pity I could not get a closer view.

The power of water

This is my new collection of birds on plant pots. I have been experimenting with design and colour of both the birds and the plant pots. I am making these as cane toppers.

A flock of pottery birds

Rosy robin

Yellow finch

Little bluebird

Blue tit

Yellow Hammer

Greengage bird