Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
1st February 2025
Storm Trooper
The 1st of February feels like a major milestone for most gardeners, as January is ‘in the bag’. But despite edging closer to spring, February can be a spiteful month and as the days lengthen so the cold can strengthen. Some of the old farmers used to say ‘winter’s back always breaks around the middle of February’, but now the weather is so erratic I’m not so sure that is still the case. There are also ‘borrowed days’ – the 12 – 14th of February are said to be borrowed from January and folklore claims that if these days are stormy then the weather will be good for the year but if 12 – 14th are fine then the rest of the year’s weather will be rubbish.
I’m more than used to working in the rain and the cold but I really don’t like the high winds, they make me very nervous. I have ‘propped and chocked’ anything vulnerable around the cottage – including the life-size metal giraffe I have in the garden. It blew over a couple of times last year, which did it no good at all – or my back, as I hoisted it back onto it’s hooves – so it too is now ‘propped’ with one of my old hazel washing line props. Prevention is far better than cure, so if you know you have some wobbly fence panels or trellis work, do endeavour to chock them up until you can repair or replace them – it could save a lot more damage.
Manage (Woodland) Settings
Sadly I have lost a few small trees to the storms, but only because they were smothered in ivy which made them unfairly susceptible to high winds. I have a theory that ivy, holly and brambles will eventually take over the world. Walking through woodlands that I used to play in as a kid, it is so sad to see them being choked by the ‘terrible three’.
I really enjoyed Sandi Toksvig’s recent series in which she bought and rejuvenated an ancient woodland which was overgrown, diseased, and waterlogged. As well as having to deal with holly, ivy and brambles, they also have the added frustration of fly tippers and off-roaders wreaking havoc too. But there are also some great moments, like releasing orphaned owls, and a huddle of great characters. After just 12 months of hard work (and a huge amount of money) the difference in the woodland and particularly the woodland floor, was heart warming and ‘addictive’, although obviously the work and journey doesn’t stop there.
Management is the critical aspect of these restorations. There is a saying that states, “Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do.” I think the same applies to nature – persuading ivy, holly and brambles – to do things they don’t want to do, and that is to stop taking over. And it brings a whole new meaning to the instruction, ‘Manage settings’
I have no doubt that ‘Sandi’s Great British Woodland Restoration’ will have inspired many to want to ‘wander off to the woods’ but I urge you to have a look at all the great and realistic advice at www.woodlands.co.uk before you do. The website has woodlands for sale and also lots of useful blogs and information on buying, owning and renovating the areas.
New Beginnings
The 1st February also celebrates Imbolc, marking the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and signalling the first stirrings of spring.
As the days grow longer and lighter, Imbolc honours the reawakening of the Earth and the return of life, light, and warmth. Associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid, this time is ideal for clearing away the old, making space for new beginnings, and kindling hope for the brighter days ahead. So if the ‘resolutions’ that you made on January the 1st have wandered off course a bit, then it’s a great time to have another go. I love the attitude that every new beginning comes from another beginning’s end, and of course you can ‘start again’ at any time.
One of the most iconic symbols of Imbolc is Brigid’s Cross, which is usually made from reeds or straw, and then hung at the entrance of your home to protect it and invite in positive energy. There are lots of tutorials on line showing how to make your own Brigid’s Cross – after all, who wouldn’t benefit from a bit of positive energy, especially at the start of February.
Henjoyable Treats
I adore my hens and am very grateful for their generous supply of fresh eggs. I do what I can to keep them happy and by way of gratitude for my breakfasts. Recently I have discovered they love popcorn, and have been giving them treats of homemade popcorn – that way I can make sure it’s free of sugar and salt too. It’s so easy and ‘cheep’ to do and provides endless satisfaction for us all.
I also buy my carrots from Abergavenny Market with the green, feathery tops still on, as the chickens love those too. They also like green ferns, which I am cutting back in the garden now. As a Christmas treat recently, they shared the dried mealworms I bought for the garden birds and last week I bought them a couple of Peck-A-Brix. Alfalfa is mixed with grains and grit and moulded into a brick-shape which you can put on the floor in their run or, like I do, put in a small hay net and hang it up for them to enjoy. It’s a great way to keep them entertained as well as providing them with nutrients.
It can be hard to ensure that hens have access to fresh grass continually and Peck-A-Brix is an excellent way to make sure they get their greens. God forbid that we have any more issues with Avian Flu in Wales but if we do have to coop our hens up again then these pecking blocks will provide essential nutrients as well as preventing boredom.
They are available from several places online, including the British Hen Welfare Trust at www.bhwt.org.uk. The BHWT only supply a ‘bundle’ which includes 4 bricks and a hay net but you can also make an online donation toward the great work this charity does. And as a lovely bonus, the hemp packing in the box can be used in your hen’s nesting boxes.
If you just want to try a block then visit www.thelittlefeedcompany.co.uk/product/peck-a-brix/ which sell them singularly.
Both companies also offer a range of other treats for your henchanting girls, so you can take your peck!
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