Well, it did seem to be the case, sitting indoors listening to the rain, yet again, pattering against the window. Looking out at grey skies can really dampen the spirits. But then again, the view from the French windows, had to produce a glimmer of cheer.
The sight of Garrya elliptica’s beautiful long catkins, like icicles, led me to venture out with iPad in hand. Never mind the rain!
So glad I did!
I was heading right to the end of the garden (how brave!) to the Woodland garden, hoping to find the first signs of Spring there.
En route, I paused to take in the perfume of our Mahonia japonica – a sniff of early lily of the valley!
Then on through the Allotment to revel in the sight of this year’s rhubarb poking through.
And then reaching the Woodland, to discover all that I had hoped for!
What with snowdrops, perfume and the promise of joys to come, it’s not so bleak at all!
The Long Garden Path 
We don’t have a Garrya in the garden, although I have always admired them in others. Mahonia is a favourite at this time of year, the bees love it when the sun shines.
Yes, Mahonia is a “must have” in any scented garden, especially for its winter presence.
Nice. There’s nothing like early signs of Spring — or late signs of Winter.
I agree! They can bring cheer, never mind the weather!
Glad you made it to the end of the garden – and back again, I trust! It is indeed uplifting to see those tiny shoots, just the evidence we need to confirm that it is all going to start over again for another year 😉 The garrya is lovely although I was trying to remember which side of the garden it was on – do remind me
Most uplifting! The Garrya is on the left hand side of the garden, just by the back of the house, doing a grand job of covering up an ugly, wonky fence panel! It’s a great view from the dining room! 😀
Good to have a view like that 😉
Love the Garry’s, but it is the lovely clumps of snowdrops that really lift the heart.
I agree! I don’t know why snowdrops always have that effect. Is it their demure habit, or the fact that they are the earliest of spring flowers to appear, despite the weather conditions?
Garrya must be one of the finest shrubs – sadly mine died but I think I didn’t give it the place and attention it deserves and shall try it again. All these little signs of hope make my heart sing 🙂
Yes, they really do lift the spirits! I’m afraid my Garrya doesn’t look quite so splendid now – and not just because of the fading catkins. The recent high winds have damaged the fence, causing the fence post and the Garrya to lean precariously. Sob!