Well we are in March now and we still have snow on the ground in the hedge backs and behind the more sheltered walls. There is an old saying that if the snow is hanging around then it will have to snow some more before we get rid of the stuff still hanging around. So it looks like we will be getting some more yet! This is definetly the longest period of time any of us can remember when there has been snow around without a break of milder weather when it melts away. My neighbours told me it started snowing in Woodland on December 6th and it has been here in varying amounts since so I am sure they are right.
This of course has an effect on our work although we can reach most of our sites OK now. Because the ground is still frozen in most places we cannot get any planting done so we will have quite a bit of catching up to do when the weather eventually warms up. By the way do not let anyone tell you that we cannot be experiencing global warming because the winter has been soo cold – climate change as it should be better know, is characterised by unusual weather patterns including cold, heat and storms. I notice that there has been the warmest winter for donkey’s years in Canada just as they wanted more snow for the winter Olympics – typical!!
Bill and Andrew are currently in Cardiff doing some tree surgery work on the motorways and footpaths. They don’t usually travel as far as Wales but in this economic climate you have to go where the work is. Andrew is qualified to do specialist tree surgey work on the railways, motorways and near power lines so he is usually the one who travels furthest afield with a groundsman to help him. Bill decided to go with him this time for a change but he is complaining about the traffic jams and roadworks (not a problem we usually have in Woodland) so he may not go again next time. There is nothing like a change of scenery to make you appreciate the good stuff you already have at home.