What's Happening in February?

I have been having a bit of bother with the new Blogger format - it actually published my post whilst I was still typing it yesterday, so I have gone back to the old familiar format where I can at least access my dashboard.  New and improved isn't always better Blogger!

Thank goodness for the rise in temperature over the last couple of days - our central heating decided to go on the blink on Monday, it hasn't been working too well in the cold weather and when the plumber removed the pump we found out why.  It was totally blocked up with gunk and corrosion.  So, new pump installed, we now have proper heat at last - trouble is, we have got so used to the house being on the chilly side, we are now finding it too hot, even with the temp. gauge turned down to practically nothing.   Well at least it will save on heating costs.

There are one or two jobs that I would like to complete before the end of the month
*spreading and incorporating compost, and
*placing cloches or sheets of plastic to warm the soil ready for sowing seeds

Due to the cold snap most plants have been held back from flowering but as the weather warms up towards the end of the month we should be seeing


Crocus

February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March
Dr. J.R. Stockton


Cyclamen

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size
Gertrude S. Wister


Daphne

Every gardener know that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl
And the anticipation nurtures our dream
Barbara Winkler


Forsythia

Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.
John Boswell
and

Witchhazel

From December to March there are for many of us, three gardens:
The garden outdoors
The garden of pots and bowls in the house
and the garden of the mind's eye
Katherine S. White

and big fat red buds of the Peony should be developing


In the animal kingdom I shall be keeping a watch out for wood pigeons on my broccoli


and some moth caterpillars will start feeding especially angle shades and lesser yellow underwing


and blotches caused by holly leaf miners will become conspicuous


For more information of what is going on in February and jobs to be getting on with ,click on to the BBC's Gardening Calendar.

Quote from Mr. Middleton's Garden Book
"February is, in some respects, a dangerous month.  The love songs of the birds, and the sudden bursts of sunshine, often bring on the gardening fever and tempt us to do those things which, for the time being, are better left undone."