Here's the back garden, after our recent trimming and pruning and with the daffodils going full steam. We also have some white daffodils that appear later in the season -- usually about a month behind the yellow ones.
Things seem to be bouncing back from the freeze. The hydrangeas, like the big one at left next to the fence, still need trimming, but as I've said before I'm leaving them to Dave. He's the hydrangea expert. The hebe bush at far right has also grown into a monster.
Speaking of daffodils, the daffodil hospital on our kitchen windowsill is quite well-attended these days -- practically every time Olga goes into the garden she breaks one off. The little ones on the left came from Fortune Green, where someone left them strewn on the grass. Maybe a child picked them and left them behind. (I know I keep showing you this windowsill, but I can't help it -- it does look cheerful, doesn't it?)
I'm back at work this week, and we received word yesterday that all our students will return to school on March 8. I'll be glad to get back to semi-normal, although pubs, restaurants and shops will apparently remain closed into April. I'd be happier if I could get my vaccination sometime soon.
Speaking of medical stuff, I have the strangest condition -- a strip of skin across my lower back that has become red and itchy and inflamed. It looks like a belt of sunburn, but it doesn't quite feel like sunburn. It's more itchy than painful. I guess I may have exposed that skin to sunlight when I was bent over working in the garden on Sunday, but the sun didn't bother me anywhere else -- not on my arms or hands or head. And besides, it's February in England! Hardly the sunniest of circumstances! At first I thought it was shingles, but it's on both sides of my spine and there are no blisters. I haven't changed laundry soap or anything like that. I've concluded that it's dermatitis or a photoallergy caused by sun exposure in an area that hasn't seen sun in a long time. Weird!
Your skin condition might be an allergic reaction to some clothing or a belt. Perhaps abrasion as you stood up and bent down again. I wouldn't have thought your winter sun could cause that.
ReplyDeleteThat skin complaint is indeed rather weird. Hopefully it will fade away of its volition but you should keep an eye on it and if it hangs about get a doctor's appointment. Very strange.
ReplyDeleteStill makes me think of shingles....
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely windowsill, especially this weather!
Dear Steve,
ReplyDeleteIt is always exciting to see the garden coming alive once more after its winter hibernation. However, cutting back might be best delayed just a while longer in case a late sharp frost kills off the new shoots. The dead heads will give some protection from this.
It is good that you have a number of large trees and shrubs along the perimeter of the garden since this does act as a screen from the neighbours but keeping everything in its allocated space is usually challenging.
Just a suggestion....straighten the edges of the borders and place the seat directly in line with the middle of the house. It will then act as an eye-catcher and draw you into the garden to explore further.
I thought shingles
ReplyDeleteBest Recovery Room Ever - Keep Posting Those Kinds Of Hospital Photos - And Guess What, I Have The Same Burn - I Rode On Sunday For Just Shy Of Four Hours - My Shirt Didn't Quite Cover Over My Shorts And My Butt White Lower Back Cooked - Its Only A Sliver Of A Burn From Love Handle To Love Handle But Inches Like Crazy - Without Any Natural UV Protection, 42F Feels Like 82F - So We Have That Going For Us Brother Reed
ReplyDeleteCheers
P.S. Please Slip A Treat Under Olga Girls Pink Blanket From Uncle T
It does sound odd that it could be from the sun. But I hope that's all it is. That being said, a pink belt can be quite stylish. I love that window sill.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the same view of your back garden in a few months! Hope your rash (or whatever it is) goes away soon. Not fun.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you spend so much time in the garden. It'slovely.
ReplyDeleteNo idea what that pink strip could be but it is sort of comforting to read that the Padre had a similar situation.
ReplyDeletePlease don't apologize for showing us that windowsill. It's a lovely picture, every time.
I thought of shingles, too. Having had it twice. With shingles, if anything even barely touched the area, such as your shirt, it would drive you mad (like having exposed nerve endings). If that should happen, you should get meds sooner, rather than later, from your doctor to help mitigate any long term nerve issues that can result from a case of shingles. Hoping it is just a bit too much sun.
ReplyDeleteYour windowsill is lovely and super cheerful. As for your skin situation, don't rule shingles out. They are not always in any particular place (they can be anywhere on your body) and they don't always have blisters. Sometimes just a rash, itch, or discomfort. Be careful not to touch your face or eyes when you touch this rash. You can get shingles there too. And it hurts wicked! I hope you're lucky and just have a reaction to the sun. It's good that you're going back to school. A little normalcy will feel good. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteThat windowsill is wonderful. It makes me smile. And, the garden looks like such a peaceful oasis.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rash, I can't imagine that could be. Keep an eye on it.
The windowsill is lovely. Always a treat to see blooming daffodils in late winter. So much promise.
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye on that rash. It could be just an irritation that will fade on its own. If not... time for the doc!
Not heading back to Massachusetts until the end of April, I've often been missing the spring daffodils, thank you for sharing your windowsill.
ReplyDeleteYour arms get more exposure to the sun - even sporadic British sun - more often, so hopefully this is just a mild sunburn.
all kinds of weird skin conditions going around I guess. the back garden looks very inviting.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks great! Your hard work is paying off!
ReplyDeleteThat window looks so very lovely. It makes me grateful that Olga is a 'crasher'.
ReplyDeleteLove your daffys! We checked on ours, but they're mere nubbins right now (two years ago they were already blooming).
ReplyDeleteSorry about your pink belt. Much less exciting than what I was expecting :(