Though there have been some nice days since Christmas, the weather has been quite miserable until now.
The past week has again been variable but now we are seeing warmer, drier conditions.
The vegetable patch is finally prepared for planting, it is very late because of the weather but we have had lots to do digging around 3m³ of manure into the soil to improve its quality. The digging has also hopefully improved the drainage. We even made a rudimentary pathway from some of the many stones removed from the soil, the larger stones - some very large - will be repurposed to repair the garden wall next to the road.
The rest of the garden has also benefitted from some attention.
The 'almost dead' peach tree by the workshop has again enjoyed serious pruning and is showing many blossoms.
Janet's asparagus has suddenly reached skyward, one stalk over 2 feet tall.
Most impressive so far is the plum tree which had also received a hard pruning, now in full bloom and attracting the bees. Needless to say, we are anticipating another good crop of plums this time.
We did clear a large amount of the lemon tree at the end of last year, removing around 40% of the excessive growth which doesn't seem to have harmed it.
The prickly pear or 'Indian fig' continues to thrive and expand. Considering that we simply put a single leaf pad on the ground 2½ years ago it has done remarkably well.
Perhaps this year we will have several fruits.
We still have lots of work to do before Spring starts properly but the nicer weather certainly helps with morale.