October 2025

The new month has arrived with the first foggy morning, and rain, the first for ages. So everything is very wet and chilly all of a sudden. The birds seem hungrier now too, and my tame robin is back coming to my hand for his ‘buggy nibbles’ when I venture across the yard to unbolt the gate first thing each morning. This year has been ‘a special year’ for the quince tree, which usually only manages a few small fruits, but once every few years there is the surprise of a bumper crop of large aromatic quinces scenting the whole garden as they turn a deep golden yellow in October. Time for more jelly-making, it lasts for years on a cool shelf.

New cards for Christmas this year: ‘Evergreen Christmas’ and ‘Winter Patchwork’ which you will find near the top of the Christmas Shop – tab here on the Home Page.

Cards are limited as I make every one myself, so shop early to avoid disappointment’ as they say!

September 2025

I always feel that this time of year is one of transition as we edge away from bright summer with birdsong and bees, towards damp dewy mornings and the closing of curtains at teatime. The garden is a mix of spent blooms and dried up leaves beside the vibrant evergreens, already hinting at their glory time to come at the close of the year. These bull rushes in the pond once again stand tall with their rich brown furry heads held high and strong in the autumn winds. As usual in September I am stitching holly and mistletoe and Christmas trees, ready for the seasonal orders soon to be packed up. Lots of different greens!

August 2025

The garden here is very wild and untidy this year as for various reasons we have not kept on top of things. However, the established perennials have made it through and flowered despite our neglect of them! I went around the garden to pick a jug of flowers for the house and managed to put together this bunch, which includes seed heads from last year's forgotten leeks, fennel flowers and wild purple loosestrife.

I am once again stitching all things Christmas in high summer, but needs must to make enough stock for the coming season! Some new designs will be coming soon.... Remember, the Christmas Shop (tab on Home Page) is open all year, especially useful for those who like to 'shop early for Christmas!'