November

I remember in my school days learning a poem by Thomas Hood about November, which was rather gloomy, ending with the words: ‘No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! – November!’ I think he must have been having a bad day because for me there are many lovely things about November; vivid sunsets, starry nights (at a time when one is awake to see them!) homemade soups, calls of Tawny owls and always the busy bird table to watch outside the kitchen window. In the countryside hedgerows are full of berries and everywhere colourful Autumn leaves still cling on to many trees.

When worries seem to haunt my thoughts it is often the rhythm of the changing seasons that brings a sense of continuity as uncertainties creep in. A change of month always brings something new as well as the return of familiar but half-forgotten things; this month may see the return of scarves, boots, mashed potato, stews, thick jumpers and hot water bottles!

And then there’s Christmas! I have just added quite a few sale packs of Christmas cards from my old stock which I hope might be helpful. After Christmas, as a gardener, I think of Spring and start to buy my seeds knowing those sunny warm days with blossom and daffodils will be coming round again before very long.

(Photo taken last November at RHS Harlow Carr)

October 2022

Since the last post here Queen Elizabeth II has died, and although she was a great age, and obviously frail with health concerns in latter years, I for one felt a sense of shock when the announcement came.

I draw much of my inspiration from the colours and forms found in our cottage garden here, which is maintained organically in a 'relaxed' way, meaning that we leave wild places and delay clearing things until Spring, giving the abundant wildlife places to hide away in the winter. At this time of year the hydrangea flowers, long past their unblemished best, take on a kind of venerable antiquity, fading and darkening to subtle Autumnal hues, which I find more attractive and interesting than the high summer pinks. We leave these flowers until pruning them away in Springtime, by which time they are whispy papery brown ghosts of their former selves. When the Queen was moved from Westminster Hall following the Lying in State, the white flowers on top of the coffin were replaced by pink and red flowers, nestling amongst greenery, including rosemary, all gathered from Highgrove, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace Gardens. I was surprised to see there were 'Autumnal hydrangeas' included, the faded flowers of a late summer garden, which had been judged 'fit for a Queen' as well as the jug in my kitchen!

September 2022

The sky is a brilliant blue today, and the sunlight now has that mellow quality of late summer that brings a gentle warmth to the garden. September here is a time of harvesting the beans (photo), tomatoes, courgettes and potatoes. I have grown Darby Striped tomatoes for the first time, and have saved the seed for next year, as we love their taste and rather exotic appearance! Unfortunately I made a mistake when sowing my peppers this year as they have all turned out to be chilies! I must label my seeds more carefully in future! In-between garden jobs I am working on Christmas cards ready for sending to galleries this month and adding more work to the Christmas Shop here on the website. Please remember you will need to re-register here if you were previously registered on the old website. All cards and unframed work are now FREE delivery; one flat rate of £5.50 for framed work, no matter how many items are in your basket.