Welcome to the Beautiful North

 

Winter has arrived. It’s still mild for December, and this afternoon offered some intervals of sunshine betwixt the cloud and drizzle. I decided to get into my little garden to have a tidy up and plant the last few daffodil bulbs.

It may be too late for these, but fingers crossed. All will be revealed – or not – in early spring.

I wasn’t alone, as Paddy and Cleo decided they would join me.

Almost everything is dying back or lying dormant, falling in with the primal rhythms of nature. The last of the roses fade. The buds that remain will not open now.

 

Autumn was warm and long, and October brought us ladybirds in abundance. A few are still around.

The vivid colours of autumn leaves: russets, reds and golds are resplendent.

The garden is a peaceful place in winter as all slows down. It’s a time to meditate on what has been and what may come in the year ahead.

To some, the seasons are the same. Stoically, they observe the passing of time in silence. They’ve seen many comings and goings.

 

There is still plenty life and vibrancy in the garden. Delicate winter jasmine blooms as the temperatures drop.

 

 

Leaves on the path don’t spoil some folks’ journeys. Even at snail’s pace they’ll get there in the end.

All that glitters may not be gold but a touch of winter sparkle is always welcome.

 

The evergreens carry on regardless.

The hours of daylight are decreasing as we head towards the shortest day. Setting off to work as the sun rises and returning home in darkness, it can sometimes feel like winter days pass me by. The weekends still offer the chance to see the beauty to be found at this time of year, literally on my own doorstep.