Winter Movies 2020: One Corpse Too Many

We're deep into winter, and it's time to hunker down to enjoy winter movies, in which plants are the stars! This time I'm watching episodes from the British drama series, Cadfael, which aired from 1994 through 1998. The mystery series is based on the books by Edith Pargeter, writing under the pseudonym Ellis Peters, and stars Sir Derek Jacobi.

The series is set in medieval England in 1138 during the 20-year civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. It takes place in the fictional Shrewsbury, but several characters are based on real people.

One Corpse Too Many (Season 1, Episode 1)

In the opening episode, rebels are in control of King Stephen's castle in Shrewsbury, but are overthrown by supporters of the King. The 94 rebels are sentenced to death by hanging, and the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury is called upon to give last rights. The monk, Cadfael, is assigned the task. Brother Cadfael is a Welshman in his 60s who was called to the monastery late in life after an adventurous life as a Crusader in the Middle East for 15 years, then as the captain of a fishing boat. While in the Middle East he learned how to garden and heal with herbs. At the abbey he tends his vegetable garden and prepares herbal remedies in his medicinal shed.

Cadfael soon discovers there are 95 bodies, instead of 94 (one corpse too many), and the 95th was strangled not hanged. He sets out to find the murderer. During the investigation, loyalties are tested and motivations questioned. Cadfael finds botanical clues to track down the killer, and administers healing herbs to those in need. His knowledge and intelligence solves the crime and brings justice. Brother Cadfael finds a friend and ally in Hugh Beringar, who is appointed sheriff of Shrewsbury for his part in solving the crime and proving his loyalties.

I enjoyed seeing Cadfael's character at work in his garden and his medicinal shed, and the small details of medieval life. His worldly experience serves him well as he solves the crime and engages with those he encounters along the way. I also appreciated learning more about this time in British history. This is the perfect series to watch while waiting out the winter, until the gardening days of spring. I found the DVD at a local library, and through online retailers, such as Acorn Media.

Indoor Gardening

January is a perfect month to do a little indoor gardening, where it is warm and cozy and dry! With any luck, a little golden winter light streams through the windows.

Christmas cactus, paperwhite bulbs, and pothos vines enjoy extra light and warmth
(Warrior Girl, 3D art by Jason Quisenberry)

Your indoor plants may benefit from being moved around your home to a better location during the winter, either to avoid long periods of low, slanted sun or to capitalize on it. Spend some time observing where winter light lands and adjust plant placement accordingly. For example, plants that flourish in eastern or southern oriented windows in the summer may do better when moved to a western window in winter.

Pothos vines (Epipremnum aureum)

This is a good time to check over your indoor plants for pests, to re-pot or add soil, or to re-evaluate your fertilizer regimes. It's also a good time to learn more about houseplants that would thrive in your home environment, and maybe introduce a new specimen or two. You may want to try propagating plants from cuttings, or even force some bulbs out of season.

Forcing hyacinth bulbs

Indoor gardening doesn't have to be elaborate, but a few projects can provide a lot of satisfaction while you wait out the dark and damp days of winter, until spring comes with all its promise and chores.

Winter Moss

The San Francisco Bay Area was pelted with multiple rain storms over Thanksgiving and Christmas, and continues to receive light rain showers into January. Rain means that our moss springs to life. Several years ago I reported on the wonderful green moss in our yard (see Moss). It's time for an update!

Moss thrives along the path in the lower yard, and catches the golden afternoon light. Lichen also thrives on the trees and rock wall. One of these days I plan to harvest some of the lichen for a dye project.

Garden path is lined with moss

Moss also thrives in the yard beneath the oak tree. The filtered winter light on the bright green carpet of moss is lovely. The two terra cotta pot liners are filled with water and attract little brown birds who gather to drink and bathe and forage for insects.

Moss thrives under the oak tree with just a little water

Patches of moss are starting to take hold in the side yard around some camellias trained as trees. The bright green captures the slanted sunlight of winter.

Patches of moss around a camellia tree

I'm grateful for the seasonal rains that bring the moss back to life in the long days of winter!