Stephen Harley-Sloman Dreaming of spring...

DESPITE the energetic antics of a group of four squirrels in the tree opposite my window I cannot yet muster any happy thoughts about snowdrops and hellebores, let alone spring or summer.

The squirrels are mating as if it were already spring and I must say it is rather nice to see them spending so much time at it. They really do seem to be enjoying themselves...

But as I walked around the garden this morning I could only think to myself that there was nothing I could take any pictures of. Snowdrops and hellebores are in bud but I will need to wait a couple of weeks before they look good.

When the skies are clear or the cloud is high there is a palpable brightness in the air and the days are lengthening already but there is a brown and dirty looking quality to everything.

My lane is a complete mess after the snow with potholes all over, thick mud to either side and rivers of water still running down it. Why are there people who still think it acceptable to throw litter out of car windows?

My partner, with a new exercise regime, is often found walking up and down the steep lane with a black bin bag in hand collecting rubbish and sometimes I can be cajoled to join in.

I have a horrible vision though of the two of us in twenty years time being the kind of people who spend too much time by the kerbside shaking an angry stick at passing motorists. Save us please...

A fair bit of tidying in the garden again this weekend is gradually bringing everything back into order. It is nice to bring some clarity back into the garden which at least makes it look open to potential.

To remind us of what we can look forward to...

dahlia "candy eyes"

prunus Hizakura photos: Stephen Harley-Sloman The hollow pipes of bronze fennel and macleaya – plume poppy – make good kindling but how I am cursing my back as I have to be so careful with every move on slippery soil and mud. I seem to trip and slide all over the place at the moment. I almost fell flat on my back on a squashed apple left lying on the lawn yesterday. Big walking boots seem to be the only help but they too are a constant nuisance to have to lace up every time I come and go from the house.

OK.... Enough. I must stop all of this moaning otherwise I will be abandoned by all of those who love me.

I pulled off old flower stems from my angels fishing rods - dierama - and cut away dead looking leaves, so they are looking much healthier. Most of the dead leaves are simple to pull off but you can get a nasty cut from this kind of grassy foliage; better to wear gardening gloves.

I gave quite a severe trimming to some rugosa roses and though it is normally recommended to do this in February I really can't see the harm in doing it now if you’re in the mood. They are not exactly dormant as the stems are green and in bud but we are as likely to get bad weather in February and March as now so what is the difference?

I made a bit of an effort to trim the stems down to an outward facing bud which should help to give the rose a decent shape.

I am not totally convinced about this, especially as rugosa roses are so fast growing, but I was quite enjoying being able to stand comfortably as I pruned so I did it slowly and thoughtfully; in a therapeutic sort of way.

I really think though that all gardeners over forty should have a holiday in January. Young trainees on work experience should be sent out to tidy winter gardens and make everything perfect for our return. I would like to come back to a garden full of snowdrops and hellebores, narcissi and tulips and winter irises in bud.

Oh well; perchance to dream. At least the squirrels are having fun.

Write to me, even if it is to tell me to stop moaning, at the SNJ. Or email me at theinteractivegardener@f2s.com You can also see my range of greetings cards at www.fragmentpublishing.com