February has been a real mixed bag weather-wise, with a number of very wet days, interspersed with lovely sunny but very cold days, with many of the nights being around minus 3°C (27°F). It's been officially announced that this has been the coldest February since 1996. It certainly seems that way - I can't remember it being so cold for so long, and still no smell of Spring. Am I the only one who smells Spring? Minimum temperature in the garden this month: minus 3°C (27°F). Maximum temperature: 12°C (54°F).

Although February is often so cold and wet, it also produces lovely effects in the garden, like these raindrops glistening in the sunshine on the red stems of Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', after a heavy downpour. This Acer is on level 2 of the garden, and is such a delight all the year round, from winter time, when its bare stems glow red in the low sunshine, then spring time, when its new leaves burst forth in a cloud of soft yellow, through summer, when the leaves are a deep yellow-green, and autumn when the leaves turn brilliant red and gold before falling to reveal the bright red stems once again.

I couldn't resist photographing this Euphorbia wulfenii, with its soft, furry leaves and purple-tinged centres covered by a myriad of raindrops.

February 17th was a very cold, miserable day, with freezing fog for most of the morning. It warmed up slightly later on, and the sun came out, but by around 5.00pm, the mist began to descend again, and temperatures plummetted - but to compensate, this beautiful sunset cheered me up! This is a view from the garden, facing west towards the surrounding countryside.

Here's a sight to cheer you up on a cold winter's day! These crocus are part of a big group which are in the border under the window at the front of the house. I think the species is C. tommasinianus, but I've had them so long that I lost the label years ago!

If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs....... then you're the only one that doesn't know what the heck's going on!!