And escaping bubble wrap at that. So once I'd recaptured the bubble wrap and replaced it, hopefully more securely around the pot it was supposed to be protecting, I couldn't help but have a look around.

On the patio edge above the now mossy bricks, I spotted snowdrops looking quite at home in the new black grass I planted last year. My plan is for the black grass to spread and cover the weeds, but to allow the bulbs through. So far, it seems to be working.

In one of my still- bubble-wrapped-pots it seems an anemone has already flowered.

Further along there were more snowdrops, these ones looking slightly less picturesque among the decaying leaves. See the black grass is a genius idea.

The bay tree was doing well, with relatively few nibbles.

And the winter jasmine is in flower. I'm not sure if it's just finishing though, or if there's more to come.

Mid-way up the garden I paused to admire the grape hyacinth and the ornamental quince.

Before almost walking over the mini cyclamen, which seem to have multiplied this year - and now I wished I'd opted for the full-size version instead.

I've some daffodils out too under the yew - but it was too windy by now to get anything other than a blurry shot as they danced along. There'll be other opportunities though, as the patio daffodils are only just in bud.

At the back of the garden I checked on the hellebores, and they were as beautiful as usual. They too have multiplied and the largest of my self-seeded plants is also flowering. In a year or so, it'll be a hellebore-tastic part of the garden. The new white camellia is in bud, and after watching the squirrels pick the pink buds to nibble at from my neighbour's garden, I'm hoping they'll have had their fill by the time they spot mine. Or perhaps that white isn't so tasty...

The prumulas are once again doing their thing - they really are quite prolific, and cheery too.

In the far corner of the garden a quick check ensured the Christmas tree was still standing. It looks to be thriving outside and I really should get it dug in where we wanted it. But first the rhubarb needs to make way...

Walking back down the garden the fatsia is its usual bundle of green and white loveliness.

And while the berberis is misshapen and hardly spherical, its bursts of orange are welcomed.

So after a very quick tour of the garden, I can report I've still got a rainbow of colour just outside my back door. Winter really is more colourful than I remembered.