January: Starting and Finishing.

Starting:

Frost still on the ground in the shade

January here in the Midlands has been a mixture weather wise, of rain, wind, cold, and sharp frosts that some days have never lifted in the shade.. Frost always fascinates me, and I couldn’t help but take a few photos of frost on some Ivy when I took a walk the other morning. Click photo’s to Enlarge.

While the Frost looks pretty, it didn’t do our Broad Beans any favours, the very low temperatures killed them off as they had come through the ground about 3 inches high.. But it’s not too late to sow some more, Some years we are lucky others not. Gardening is all Swings and Roundabouts.. 🙂 We are hoping the Two neglected plots at either side of us are taken up by people who will cultivate them… As the seeds from the weeds are a constant battle..

Manure half-way spread on this piece of the plot. Since this photo was taken, Hubby has started to dig it all in.

The Brussel Sprouts always tastes that bit better after having some frost on them.

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  Another strawberry bed was put at the side of the other, has yet to have more compost put in it.

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  The Leeks also have been delicious.. Apologies the images not the clearest.

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  The Lettuce is surviving, growing slowly in the cold frame .

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  This years Leeks seedlings sprouting on the Window sill.

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  Onion and Shallot sets being started off in the pots before transplanting when warmer.

Purple Flowering Broccoli Starting to Sprout.

Finishing:

While Hubby’s fingers have been aching cold with frost, mine have been busy finishing off several more knitting projects.. The New Home to which Cyril the Owl and Charlotte the Fox are now living happily together is also home to a little White knitted Donkey.. This little Donkey is now 46 years years old and was knitted for my Daughter as a baby.. He is a cherished little soul, and I was asked by my daughter to give him a new jumper… As he was feeling quite left out by the new outfits I knitted for Charlotte the Fox for Christmas..

Charlottes New Clothes in Cape and shoes. And Donkey in his New Green Sweater,

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  Charlottes Knitted shoes

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  Donkey’s New Green Sweater I knitted.

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  Donkey’s Blue Jumper I knitted

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  Charlotte in her new shoes and with her handbag and shawl

And I finished my project I started just after Christmas, a Waistcoat I made for myself.

So that is what I have been starting and finishing over the Month of January. I hope that what ever projects you have got in hand, you will enjoy creating in 2023.. Whether it be in the Garden or your Hobbies and Crafts..

“When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” 

– Minnie Aumonier

Happy Gardening!.

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