Big Chill

"Farmers are in pain about their turnips, both those on the ground, & those that are stacked under hedges. The frost has lasted now just seven weeks: it began Nov 23."
Gilbert White January 9, 1789
The garden has been frosty now for over 2 weeks, which is more than we've had for the past 10 years put together I think. The ground is crunchy and won't easily let go of the leeks and parsnips. Every morning it is necessary to break the layer of ice off the chicken's water basin and some days it has been almost solid throughout. Over Christmas, I put a thatch around the beehive to help keep the heat within and now can do little more than wring my hands and fret. The MET says it will get warmer tomorrow.