LandScape in the February issue

February brings winter swiftly to an end with its dwindling days, but there is still a lingering chill in the air and the glint of ice crystals winking from the frozen ground. However, small changes are already afoot as tiny buds begin to stud bare branches, and emerging blooms sprinkle droplets of fresh colour. Carpeting the woodland at Welford Park in Berkshire, a spectacle of snowdrops illuminates the estate, drawing visitors to admire their pure white, nodding heads.

Another enchanting flower at this time of year, the hellebore defies the harshest of frosts to bejewel the garden with petals embellished in exquisite detail. Pale Brindled Beauty moths also come out in the cold to mate and complete their fascinating lifestyle, and velvety pussy willow, along with vibrant dogwood stems and lichen-encrusted twigs, help celebrate the month of romance when woven into heart-shaped displays.

Transforming yarn into textiles, in hues echoing the Devon landscape, a weaver revives a traditional skill, working to the age-old rhythms of a restored loom. Nature is also the inspiration for a pine-cone print, and a paperwork project to create twirling umbrellas is perfect for a rainy day. In the warmth of the kitchen, subtly sweet leeks come to the fore in warming dishes, while bakes with seeds add crunch, and a cake combines two classic favourites. Outside, in the stillness, there are nonetheless places to explore, such as the holy havens of mighty abbeys standing in a land of solitude, and a refuge for overwintering birds on the banks of a misty loch.

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