The brilliant sun is illuminating the golden bamboo outside my window and creating flickering shadows across the wall as it blows in the breeze. How gorgeous to be basked in sunlight in the warmth of my abode out of the cold wind. Makes a terrific change from the wet, wet, wet of late.

Get outside this weekend in your own backyard or a local garden to check out the glorious winter bulbs. I was recently admiring some butter yellow Crocus growing through my Ajuga that created such a classic regal colour contrast of purple and gold.

Iris reticulata, the exquisite bulbous iris, definitely inspire you to bend over to take a closer look at their detailed petals. Plant these in front of a stone close to the border of the garden to offset their delicate beauty.

posted Feb 17, 2006