It’s still raining. Sunny days are few now as the winter progresses. We’ve had storm after storm rolling in from the Atlantic on fierce south westerly winds. On some days, the rain comes in as near horizontal sheets accompanied by hailstones that prick your face.

Sometimes, the combination of gale force winds and the hail-laden rains make it difficult to even stand up.

And you know the temperature is dropping, especially at night, when the local news announces which roads at the top of the cliff will be gritted. Down here by the sea, it’s 1-2° warmer so, despite the inclement weather, we already have many green shoots. First up are the daffodils; they are coming thick and fast ‒ about six weeks ahead of the cliff top gardens.

Their bright yellow heads offer welcome pops of colour and cheer you up in the stygeon gloom of winter.

Gardeners have to go out in all weathers to get the spring planting done. This year, we are planting chardonnay grape vines. They look like twigs now but I’ve been promised that my south facing terraces will be covered in vines later this year. Maybe they will be good enough to make some Chablis wine!

And there is further promise of good things to come. The wisteria and clematises look so desolate, but if you look carefully, you can see there are shoots everywhere.

And campanula corner, the fountains of trailing rosemary and the front terraces by the stone river are a show, even in the depth of winter.

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Last month, we honoured my Scottish ancestors by eating Tunnocks cakes and biscuits to welcome the New Year. This month, in honour of my Chinese ancestors, we are having the traditional celebration supper of fish, special dumplings, and lots of citrus fruits.

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And, to while away the long dark nights, we will play majong and sip tea. Happy New Year ‒ Nián nián yǒu yú.

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If you need a Zen moment and want to see a little more, click on the picture below to catch up on January in the Seaside Garden.