Frost

 I can hear your groans from here. She is never satisfied, it's too hot, it's too cold, you've heard it all before. But the two severe frosts we had on Wednesday and Thursday were truly devastating. Not just in Mas de Bouyé but throughout the southern half of France. We had temperatures of -5 deg.C which as you will know from previous posts is far from the coldest we have each winter. The problem was the temperatures in the mid twenties which we had in the fortnight before. Most plants had put on fresh young growth that was instantly killed by the frost.

Of course I am not happy but the garden is not my livelihood; 80% of vines in France have been affected together with all the fruit trees and young crops. The problem is so severe that it has triggered a State system which compensates growers.

This azalea was in the porch by the front door but still succumbed.

The malus blossom turned brown overnight.

 PS The kestrels are no longer shouting but we have no idea if the resident female is sitting or what is happening.