Continuing with Winter – and the First Days of Spring | Wild Gardening

More winter is hard to come by: The first three weeks of February were a direct continuation of January's weather. So still no chance for tidying up the garden, pruning shrubs, or cleaning the garage roof. Instead, extensive birdwatching at our numerous feeding stations. Until finally – I have rarely longed for spring as much as I have this year – thawing began on February 21. Here we go!

View from the cold house into the garden on February 17 – and it continues to snow.

The white flakes highlight the different plant structures beautifully.

The Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) makes a striking impression in winter with its quirky growth, even when sparsely leafed. With a snow cap, it looks even more beautiful.

The privet hedge evokes associations of cotton plants.

Usually left untouched, but when there is snow, hares and deer often indulge in a horsetail snack.

Whether it snows or not: The snowdrops reliably poke their heads out of the ground.

And they open their flowers as soon as the sun provides a bit more warmth.

Soon, the early crocuses and fragrant honeysuckles (Lonicera x purpusii) will follow – the insect buffet is ready.