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)