Before the snow

A few days ago the garden was looking really spring-like.

Although the snowdrops were nearly over the hellebores were putting on a show...

The daffodils we planted in the field were just coming into flower

and primulas had just begun their spring display 

Having escaped the snow earlier in the week that swept in from the East we were hit by storm Emma yesterday.  Warmer air flowing up from Portugal mixing with the extreme cold here (the Beast from the East!) brought snow to the South West - snow is an unusual occurrence since we moved here, this is only the second snowfall in 6 years.

Cold easterly winds caused blizzard conditions and caused the snow to drift around.  

The beds, steps and paths have disappeared......

and the poor willow sheep has collapsed in the snow too!!

The snow was followed by freezing rain which formed a layer of ice on top of the snow.

 This freezing rain has stayed frozen to the windows facing the wind and this is how they have been all day.

 well at least we have visual evidence that the double-glazing provides insulation!!

Temperatures are set to rise over the next few days - now the flood warnings are starting.

Roll on Spring....