Category Archives: Uncategorized

That Autumn feeling is in the air. The scent of golden leaves underfoot and a certain change in atmosphere. So difficult to describe, yet a sensation we all know so well. From September onwards, the perfume of apples greets me when I fetch garden tools from the shed. Now and then a ripe, juicy plumContinue reading “Scrummy Cakes and Garden Pleasures”

Our Queen has been laid to rest in a moving ceremony. Time perhaps for us all to move on and think positive thoughts about our own lives. Time to appreciate those things which really matter. Regular readers will know how much I value my home comforts, creative pastimes and self-sufficiency. As Winter approaches once again,Continue reading “Sausages, Squash, and Fading Beauty”

It’s been a week of great sadness and yet, also, a time of hope and renewal. The death of our Queen shook the nation but the ascension of King Charles offers hope and continuity in a time of turbulence and trouble. At times of social upheaval, we take comfort in the familiar things in ourContinue reading “Loss and Renewal”

September, the beginning of the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”. A little change in the air, cooler nights and a bounty of good things to eat. Some of the apples and pears have been gathered in. Some are high in the trees and will need a bit of effort to reach them. Plums areContinue reading “A Fruitful Season”

It’s been a week of mixed fortunes. Lovely warm days, some rain to revive the plants and the gardeners, a new fence and the excitement of planning for a flower border. On the downside, the garden is full of wasps around the fruit and my husband had a very unpleasant sting with an allergic reaction.Continue reading “Fencing and Feathers”

More than half the month gone and harvest time is apace. Apples and pears are begging to be picked and fall off the tree if they’re ignored. So much to do at this time of year. The fallen fruit is being appreciated by the garden wildlife so it’s not going to waste. I found timeContinue reading “Preserving for Winter”

It was a scorching week. The garden has really suffered despite our efforts. Fortunately our house stays cool and it’s been a pleasure to venture outside in the relative coolness of the evening. Time then to top up the birds’ water and to sprinkle wherever reinforcements are needed. The evening air is scented with lavenderContinue reading “Light and Shade”

The year is swiftly flying by. August already and changes in the garden. The apples and pears are falling. Telling us they are almost mature enough to pick. Daily checking now to see if they yield when lifted gently. If they come away when cupped in the hand they’re ready to harvest. If they stayContinue reading “Late Summer.”

The weather has been gentle since the days of extreme heat but the garden has suffered. A few things look shrivelled and may be past their best. I’m hatching plans for an Autumn make-over. When one door closes another one opens! Last autumn I planted several lilies. They were called “Brasilia”. A beautiful pale lilyContinue reading “Beans Galore”

At last the weather has cooled and the garden has slaked its thirst! Some things have suffered despite our efforts but hopefully they will revive and continue to give us pleasure. One of the things I love about a garden is that it’s full of surprises. You never know what’s going to crop up. ThisContinue reading “Garden Surprises”