I was hoping for a bit more snow than we had today, which was very little. So instead here is a photo of some lichen I spotted on my walk. It's Peltigera canina, or dog lichen.

I spent some time this afternoon planting sweet peas - in the utility room ,as it's still too cold outside. I think the urge to grow things must suddenly appear at this time of year - it's like a compulsion. Birds start building nests, I start planting seeds. The sweet peas came from the lovely Higgledy garden. I have seven different varieties, with names like "Swan Lake", "Perfume Delight" and "Starry Night". I love sweet peas and it's amazing that these dull grey-brown balls will grow to give beautiful colours and scents in a few months' time. Roll on summer!