A Garden Miracle and Nutty Cakes

It’s been an exciting week. We had some much-needed work done in the garden.

When we moved here 20 years ago most of the garden was covered in concrete, much of it old, broken crazy paving. Over the years we removed a lot of it to produce growing areas. Some of the ground though was not reclaimable. There were old brick foundations underneath or tree roots. We made the best of what we had and enjoyed the fact that there were mature trees and space to move around but trying to make the hard surface look presentable was always a problem. We’re no longer “Spring chickens”! So we decided to call for help.

Here’s what it looked like two days before the team set to work. What a mess!

Now look at the same scene. I can’t believe the transformation.

It’s hard to believe these are the same borders. They look so much better.

The sandstone needs a final sweep once it’s settled to bring up the subtle colours. We were ready to improve the pond (on the left) and now we intend to restore the edges and put in some lovely plants.

Because I’m very keen to protect the environment I think it’s best to have as little hard surface as possible but this was replacing existing concrete. The surface beneath had tree roots so it wan’t possible to plant in it and it was a route to the rest of the garden. The sandstone has a smaller carbon footprint than concrete so I feel reasonably happy that this has been worth doing. I’m thrilled with the results. This part of the garden looks tidy and posh at last.

The team were very considerate and did their best but inevitably some plants were a bit crushed during the process. I think the tiny emerging Snowdrops edging a path will recover though and the perennials will send up fresh shoots in time.

Meanwhile under the apple tree lots of Snowdrops are pushing up in different stages of growth. A few have flowers but there are many more to come in a couple of weeks. The Hellebore buds are increasing and some are even opening their petals.

In two pots by the garage door there are some lovely little white Bellis daisies. These have grown from seed dropped by last year’s flowers. There was just enough of them to divide between the two pots and now they’re flowering. Although they look dainty and fresh they’re as tough as old boots and will take frost in their stride.

Late January, cold days and we’ve eaten all our favourites from the chocolate boxes.

Now’s the time for some baking to satisfy that lingering craving for satisfyingly sweet treats. Here’s my recipe for date and walnut squares.

You will need a large baking tin or a roaster for these.
Date and Walnut Squares

200g Dates
100g Walnuts
1 Orange
200g Brown Sugar
4 large Eggs
200g Self-raising Flour
2 heaped teaspoons Baking Powder
30g Bran
200g Sunflower Oil

Chop or break the nuts into small pieces. Stone and chop the dates. Grate the orange.
Grease the baking tin or roaster.
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan oven.
Beat the eggs and sugar together.
Add all other ingredients and mix well.
Spread the mixture in the tin and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Check with a skewer to see if the centre is cooked.
When ready, allow to cool and cut into squares.
Slide a spatula underneath to lift out.
Freeze well. 

Although I’m keen to tidy the garden following the make-over it’s been a bit too cold. I’ve enjoyed a walk around with my camera as usual and snapped a few lovely sights. The Garrya tassells are even longer and looking very graceful. Frosty leaves are always pleasing and it’s good to see the daffodils appearing through the cold soil.

Here are more glimpses of life in the garden.

While it’s cold and I’m not inclined to work outside I like to knit so I got my needles out and started a project. I’m knitting a jacket with a wool-rich yarn in lovely subtle, random colours. Warm to the touch and looking very promising.

Another week beginning and more to do. I hope you’re enjoying reading about my own experience and that you’re having a good time yourself.

The wonderful support I’ve had from so many readers has been heartwarming. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me. Thank you, everyone.

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With you again next week. Stay warm, well fed and happy.