Another sunny weekend

March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but this March feels more like May.  It has been a dry and mostly pleasant week, and this weekend has been sunny and warm.  Although we had some rain last Sunday, there hasn't been much this month, and hosepipe bans are in the offing (though I don't use a hose except to top up the pond).  The cold snap that often comes round here in mid-March didn't materialise, and - remarkably - there have been no strong winds since New Year.  While the warm weather is very welcome, especially as it allows me to get outside and do some of the many jobs that need doing, it all feels very odd; and a bit of rain in this dry garden would be very useful.

The mid-season daffodils are in full bloom and look very cheerful.  The first of the tulips are in bud; they're a clump of lovely creamy yellow tulips near the house windows, and I always look forward to them.  The brunnera is coming out and the erythroniums are also in bud.  The big damson at the bottom of the garden is showing its first flowers, while the buds on the plum tree are just starting to show green.  More widely out and about, the blackthorn is in bloom and I spotted clumps of white violets alongside the back road out of the village.

One thing mostly missing in the garden this year is crocuses.  I think they must have been swamped by the weeds, and I miss them.  Memo to self: must plant more, especially my favourites Blue Pearl and Cream Beauty.  The Whitewell Purples, planted last autumn, have done quite well, or would have if the pheasant weren't so fond of eating the flowers.  The anemone blanda, planted at the same time, are also in bud; I hope he leaves them alone!

The birds' peanut container has been emptying rather quickly recently, and one morning I realised why.  The squirrel is back.  He was spotted one breakfast-time, hanging upside-down along the container and having his fill.  Having just bought a new box of peanuts and having gulped at the price - when did they get so expensive? -, I decided it would be a good economy to buy a squirrel-proof container to replace the old (chewed) one.  The blue tits have got the hang of it, but I haven't yet seen any great tits, sparrows or finches on there - perhaps the mesh is too small for them.  The woodpecker won't be pleased, but maybe I'll put the old container out from time to time for him!