We have had an amazingly neutral winter so far, although I say this knowing full well that we have another 5 or so weeks before that Spring equinox. We could still get slammed.  Parts of the garden are beginning to show a little life, perhaps wondering if we might have an early spring. (We can only hope, since it’s been years since we had one.) If we are lucky, boating season will be upon us soon.

Meanwhile, we continue to nest in our home, watching chickens destroy what is supposed to be a lovely yard, and I begin to realize there is work to be done out there. So here are some photos from the winter garden, taken as I poked around considering the idea of actual physical work.

What could be lovelier than winter blooming Helleborus and our native sword fern?

Cyclamen and snowdrops, ephemeral harbingers of spring.

Winter shrubs.

Euphorbia rigida getting ready to make a nice showing against this silver leaved lavender.

Next project will be to contain the chickens to the wooded area, which is big enough for them to have plenty of room. At this point, they have the run of the entire yard. That’s not going to work when tender plants begin to emerge. They can keep the Virgin free of weeds.Oh, and the physical work? It lost out on that day. Best to have a little nap and read. I pretend to be a lady of leisure.