Winter is back again!

Just when we thought spring was really on its way, winter is back with a vengeance after some heavy snowfalls.  Most spring flowers can take some punishment in their stride, and it certainly poses no problems for the hellebores.

 

And, as you may expect, winter flowering heathers are also happy to be buried in the snow.

Less happy are these pigeons roosting forlornly in a tree under a grey sky.

A back lane in the village looks like a Christmas card scene.

The village church would have looked good like this three months ago!

Horses steaming in a field, taking advantage of some hay left for them.

These small daffodils will be back on their feet when the sun comes out.



Spring arrives indoors and outdoors.

Probably the darkest month of the year is February, when winter seems interminable and there are no celebrations to lighten the mood.  But indoors spring always comes early in our home with hyacinths on windowsills.

 

 Outside one of last year's primroses has braved the cold weather and is producing its own cluster of bright yellow cheerfulness.

And nearby hellebores of different varieties are in full bloom. 

 

Snowfall

Snow usually arrives after Christmas here, and so this year was no exception with a heavy fall overnight creating a winter wonderland this morning. Our back garden gave a hint of what lay further afield.

 

 

 

At Framlingham College Prince Albert had an extra mantle.

 

For once those ubiquitous four-by-fours proved the sensible option to drive.

 

Looking down the front towards Framlingham.

 

St Michael's Church, Framlingham.

 

Albert again, looking decidedly chilly.

 

A real Christmas tree, long after all the domestic ones in houses had vanished.

 

Framlingham Castle.

 

The Chapel at Framlingham College.

 

Looking out over the fields from the Science Labs.

 

 

The castle again, with the mere frozen over in the foreground.

 

 

 

Later in the day, as some local schools had closed for the day, tobogganing down the slopes at the castle was a popular attraction.

 

 

 

 

Icicles on a building at the College.

 

 

More snowy Christmas trees!