It's February already, and there's plenty to do at the Manor.

I hope this damp and horrible weather that seems to stick around for ages will dissappear soon, and we can all look forward to springtime.

The birds have started singing in earnest already, looking for mates, which is always nice to hear this side of christmas. The first signs of growth are appearing too, it always seems too early each year, but look closely and buds are swelling in readiness.

We have had a few changes in staff recently, I shall fill you in with the details in another post, but Julie, the new gardener has started working part-time and three weeks into the job is getting stuck in, clearing the borders.