Category Archives: Uncategorized

The longer evenings are drawing in and with them a feeling of needing to be snug and warm. Not quite time for a log fire but a cosy blanket is welcome. A time to knit, read and paint a picture or two. Before winter sets in I like to be busy storing away my jarsContinue reading “Cosy Blankets and Chutney”

The old plum tree has surprised me with a pretty good crop this year. A couple of years ago it was suffering from a fungal infection and the few plums it produced were horrible, distorted things. Fortunately it’s recovered. Often though the plums are blown down and bruised, or nibbled by birds and other gardenContinue reading “The Swinging Sixties”

We’ve had some lovely days with an autumn ambience. The asters and sedums are flowering, rudbeckias still glowing and a few butterflies are about. Some pretty cyclamen are appearing under the trees and the “Water Lily” colchicums are beautiful. Frost will be coming soon so I’m making the most of fruit, tomatoes and beans whileContinue reading “Seasonal Treats”

The rudbeckias are as cheerful as ever and making a vibrant splash of yellow in the garden. Things are a bit in-between right now, a bit subdued until the autumn glow, so the rudbeckias are very welcome. There is much more to a garden though than flowers, fruit and vegetables. There are other things toContinue reading “Light and Shade”

All my life I have loved the colour red. My kitchen walls are painted red. So cheerful, warm and inviting. Fifty years ago I bought a set of red pans. After all that time I only have two left but they’re often used and still appreciated. One small saucepan which I use exclusively for boilingContinue reading “The Colour Red”

Over many years I’ve collected cones from places we’ve lived or visited. Not only are they lovely things but they stir many memories. We have two gigantic conifers but strangely they have very small cones. I find tiny new conifers growing around the garden wherever the cones have been spread by the wind or droppedContinue reading “Cones and Cakes”

The garden has been full of aromas this week. Woody, earthy dampness with the scents of lavender and marjoram. Huge white fungi have sprung up overnight in the bed where wildflowers grew and are now dying back. The fruit has been blowing off the trees and landing with a thud on the ground. The splitContinue reading “Woody Scents and Preserving Ginger”

Half way through August. The year is flying by. Summer is winding down and the garden is changing yet again. The flowers have performed and are now making seeds for the next generation. I’m always a little melancholy about the end of summer and yet there is still so much to look forward to. TheContinue reading “Fruity Treats and Poetry”

First of all, a big apology. On my post “Delicious Pesto and Lovely Spoons” I forgot to add garlic to my list of ingredients! I have now updated it because it’s definitely tastier with garlic. I hope it hasn’t caused any disappointment. It’s been a mixed picture to the start of the month. Gentle sunshineContinue reading “Tins and Turkey”

The thirsty garden was desperate for rain. At last it came and the plants revived. Leaves have plumped out and stems stand tall. The waterbutts are full again. The rainwater is so much better for most plants but especially acid-loving ones like rhododendrons and our blueberries. The blueberries are just beginning to ripen. When they’reContinue reading “Late Summer Colours and Precious Water”