Hawthorn

These are the fruits of the Chinese hawthorn. They hold to the tree right through winter. I'm collecting them and scattering them throughout the forest garden to see if they will grow without going through any nursery process. One or two did that last year; I must have dropped some or they were carried by birds, and I'm very encouraged to think that I can help the tree reproduce in this way. Like most trees, the seeds don't sprout beneath the canopy of the parent; whether that's a condition of light, chemical deterrents or whatever, I don't know.

Birds on a wire

I threaded apples onto a bamboo cane and set it in the garden outside of the French doors. Bellbirds, waxeyes and blackbirds visited, balancing elegantly on the swaying cane while they pecked at the chilly apples.

Waxeyes feeding

Axminster

Scatterings on the ground provide the perfect medium for mushrooms. Over the next few weeks, the colour drains from these fallen bits and pieces, but spring flowers will push through soon enough; snowdrop, bluebell, crocus and daffodil.