The calendar says mid-winter, but my garden doesn't think so - despite the snow that fell a few weeks ago, and the frosts that have fallen upon us from time to time.

I emptied the compost bin a day ago, harvesting barrow loads of dark, rich compost and working it in around the young vegetables.  A good dose of water on top of that and the seedlings that had been sitting close to the ground, waiting for the next icy blast, are suddenly standing proud, enjoying the sunshine.

and the flowers are happy, too....

Meanwhile, on the far side of The City on the Plain, where the Great Eastern Firebreak begins, there is no sign of winter at all....

I suppose Winter will be back to take another swipe at our little Valley on the Mountain, but until it does, we'll keep on enjoying the balmy weather and sunshine...

The only thing that is missing from this early spring is our friend, Charlie the Copperhead snake - and I'm sure he'll be in the picture soon...