The dark nights of winter

[Bacchus]

One of the things I particularly dislike about this time of year is how I leave for work and it's dark and when I get home from work it's dark again. There's really only Saturday and Sunday for doing anything outside and they tend to be curtailed by family stuff.

It's almost impossible to get anything substantial done at this time of year and I think eyebrows would be raised if I installed floodlights.....

[Nicos]

We've all been there!

How about suggesting some of the family stuff is done in the evening?
Shops are open late, family and friends are around ....that's what we used to do...and I worked a 60 hr week and my OH a 90 hr week!...and raised 2 wonderful kids .

You can always find time for gardening 'stuff'...I found it's a matter of prioritising ....even if it means including family and friends occasionally.

Gardening parties with a BBQ work just as well in winter...you just need waterproofs/gloves/brollies...and you eat indoors!

Sometimes you just need to step back and look at yourself as an outsider would.

...having said that- I do understand your frustration though

[Kirk]

Depends on what else you do: Buy a telescope (or 5) and observe the galaxy and other assorted bits of this universe. The longer the dark bits then the more time to see things.

[Bacchus]

Depends on what else you do: Buy a telescope (or 5) and observe the galaxy and other assorted bits of this universe. The longer the dark bits then the more time to see things.

I do actually have a telescope - and as I live out in the wilds of the country there is no light pollution to worry about.

I also live in Northern Ireland so a clear sky is a marvel in itself .....

[Noosner]

I don't much like the darkness either, Bacchus.

But last year I made a point of observing all growing things more closely than usual throughout the dark months. I really enjoyed it. It made me realise that one of the reasons I love gardening is because it makes me really stop and look at plants. So, for example, last winter I often stood still and looked carefully at certain trees. This repaid me with countless surprises. For example, I discovered that one tree I walk past every day and always just saw as a big tree was actually several small trees, growing round each other.

These observations don't 'get things done' of course, but they do enable me to experience some of the pleasure of gardening at a time when I can't garden.

[ancee]

I get more creative in the dark months. Sewing and faffing about. Reading gets done too, as all of my summer daylight hours that are free are my gardening hours and everything else gets left for when I can't go into the garden! I'm also up for a parliamentary motion of a vote to bring in winter hibernation for any humans wishing to! Any one else fancy it?!

[Bigmallly]

I thought winter & hibernation went hand in hand..............

[lottie dolly]

I think mebee am partly hibernating,just lately no mater what time i go to bed,i seem to sleep arox 10 hours ,and odd times still snooze during daylight,think the old body is still on catch up from the bad months,plus some sad,when we had the family all at home,it was no bother as we were always got something to do,but these days I need more daylight to keep up with things,as it takes longer to do anything outdoors,it has been the same throughout time,at least we have light inside when curtain are drawn,so can do indoor things,and keep warm,

[Nicos]

I do actually have a telescope - and as I live out in the wilds of the country there is no light pollution to worry about.

I also live in Northern Ireland so a clear sky is a marvel in itself .....

Hadn't realised you were quite so rural Bacchus!

OK...so it DOES make things more difficult in winter!

PLAN B then...floodlights!!!

[Bacchus]

Yes, very rural - on a farm - though as I have a sitty down office job I don't have time to work it

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1298966

I posted a couple of pictures on the "introduce yourself thread" which might give you an idea. I can't actually see another house when I look through any windows of mine - so about as rural as you can get

[Nicos]

More rural than me then!

Just had another look at your piccies- what beautiful rolling countryside!

[arpoet]

I hate winter... i am an early riser and am often in the garden by 6 am in the spring and summer. I get frustrated when its cold, foggy and wet. The soil is too wet do anything on and in the winter the sun barely touches the garden... Roll on Spring.

[veggiechicken]

What about some lights in your polytunnel? Then you could play in it after dark

[hellybore]

I used to hate the onset of winter, but now I have two things to look forward to when the cold sets in - my woodburner - I luuuurve getting snuggly in front of nice warm flames - and hedgerow basket making! The sap needs to be down to start collecting the rods from around and about the woods and hedges, and then I can start on another of my wonky, rustic creations! Never seem to get any better at it but I do enjoy it. Then when the sun warms up in spring, baskets are forgotton and I'm out growing stuff again

[Bren In Pots]

I don't mind the winter it gives me time to do my indoor hobbies like reading, card making, scrapbooking, dollshouse miniatures and if its not raining I can we'll go walking.