2026/12 - Misty March Mornings

 Here in the Dutch Delta we are used to moisture: rain, and fog. Especially in March misty mornings are no exception. You know the ones I mean, where you get wet eventhough it does not rain. In fact you sometimes get wetter from mist than from rain...honestly.

My daffodils are in full splendour, mist or no mist. But the rest of nature always goes very quiet. There is no wind, and even the moorhens are less noisy than usual. I took a quick peek to see if they have started their nestbuilding yet, and yes, they were busy dragging reeds and small branches to their favoured spots. The graceful swans, who also use the Veste to build their nests, were ignoring them. They think the feisty moorhens beneath them.

When I took this photo, I noticed some yob had dumped his beer cans in my garden. I mean to remove them next time I visit Hunky Dory. Why do people feel they can do things like that? As an author I am forever and endlessly fascinated by human behaviour, but that doesn't mean I like my garden being treated so carelessly!

 My roses are sprouting fresh leaves, this one is the Schneewitchen, a pure white climber. I like it so much, I have bought one for my balcony as well. 

The Helleborus, being very pretty next to the frog pond. I had promised it some friends, but did not see any in the nursery yet.

The Euphorbia is showing her lime green flowers next to the Artichokes. I had meant to divide this clump, as it is getting rather large, but the soil being cement-like until mid-november,  I did not get round to it. I'll have to see if I can still do it now.

For the last couple of days I have had a nasty cold...not bad enough for me to take to my bed, but going to Hunky Dory in the freezing wind was a bridge too far. So you will have to make do with what is currently showing colour on my balcony.

These grape hyacinths are into their 6th year now. Very hardy little bulbs.

And these huge grape hyacinths keep coming up faithfully as well. They start as rather alien looking things, but they straighten out, and last for ages.

This plant takes everything this winter has thrown at her into her stride! It is great for cut flowers as well, if you don't mind the wonky stems. I mistakenly told you it is Alsem (or absinthe), but it is actually an Anthemis maritima. Whatever the name, it is lovely this early in the year.

In the green pot in the background is my lettuce. I buy this at the supermarket (no lettuce yet in my greenhouse, but working on it!), with a plug of soil attached. I then eat the lettuce and plant the plug, and eh presto, a new lettuce grows. Great value for money!

This morning at 06.15. Well yes, head cold or not, my Puck needs to be walked! I can't tell how glad I am about it getting light in the early mornings!!

Right. Have a great weekend, wherever you are, and do visit my website at Renée Grashoff Schrijft or subscribe to my newsletter by leaving me your e-mail address.

Renée Grashoff