October 2026

How lovely the late summer can be when it is like this! Still days, blue skies, golden low sunshine intensifying the reds and golds of berry and leaf; the rich polished browns of the conkers glowing like gems in the road. On one of my daily constitutionals I collected some of these magical and truly beautiful seeds. I shall plant one in a pot, as I did when a child!

I am busy stitching all things Christmas, and as I work on robin designs I can hear the autumn songs of the robins in our garden as they sing again after their late summer moult. Their autumn song is wistful and tuneful as they defend their territories in order to secure areas in which to feed over the winter. I love to hear them, especially as the other birds are now silent.

New things going into the Christmas Shop every few days as I complete them – tab at the top of the Home Page

September 2026

The lawn here, which was straw-coloured for weeks due to drought, has suddenly become green again! The two horses in the field next to our garden were being brought food regularly as there was nothing to eat underfoot at all; their pasture had the appearance of a desert. They are now happily munching the fresh green grass that is everywhere once more. Despite this vibrant renewal, there is already an autumnal feel to the shrubs and trees, perhaps a month early. 

Some trees will have died in the drought I fear, and as they begin to change into their autumn hues I have made a new card called ‘Ode to Autumn’ (after John Keats) which features a tree with a golden heart, in celebration of each and every precious tree living and growing amongst us. The card is listed under Cottage Garden (cards)

August 2026

As a gardener, each month brings its own demands on time and energy, as the tasks needed to be done change from week to week. This August has brought extra challenges due to water restrictions and the extreme temperatures, but the lavender seems happy in the drought!

 I have two new card designs: Wildflower Meadow and Little White House. The first is a variation on the framed ‘Summer Meadow’ embroidery which I have been stitching for many years. The pretty Little White House is based on an early design which I have refreshed before including it once again. Followers if my work will know I love stitching little houses!