A Fresh New Start

A new month, a new year! Happy New Year everyone. The festivities are over and time for a reassessment, New Year resolutions and looking ahead. Snow has fallen and covered the garden in a pure white blanket. A timely reminder that Winter has begun. Although the garden is mostly dormant there are some lovely plantsContinue reading “A Fresh New Start”

Seasonal Pursuits

November is rushing by and thoughts of Christmas are uppermost. The weather has changed to seasonal cold with frosty mornings. Although this has finished off some of the plants there are highlights here and there. The winter Jasmine is flowering with its cheerful little blossoms. It’s a vigorous plant and needs cutting back every coupleContinue reading “Seasonal Pursuits”

Autumn Tints, Jam and a Painting

Late September. A bit of a nip in the air and a slight scent of Autumn. The fruit trees have yielded their delicious treasure and are now preparing to rest. The garden is winding down and so am I. Not everything goes to plan when you’re a gardener. In August I always sow my SpringContinue reading “Autumn Tints, Jam and a Painting”

Fruitfulness, Bric-a-Brac and a Painting in Progress

We’ve had some very wet days since my last post but our garden needed it. Sunny spells have relieved the grey skies in between showers. The early Autumn flowers are a delight. Rudbeckias glow even on the dullest day with their golden petals and near black cones. I brought in a few to fill aContinue reading “Fruitfulness, Bric-a-Brac and a Painting in Progress”

Late Summer Pleasures and Cake

The last month of Summer has begun. A few more weeks of light nights and flowers before the season of “mellow fruitfulness.” Meanwhile, my “Stargazer” lilies are fabulous and their heady perfume lingers on the air. There is a lily called “Brasilia” which I love and hoping to buy and plant this autumn. It hasContinue reading “Late Summer Pleasures and Cake”

High Summer and Stitching

High Summer. The hum of the bees, fluttering butterflies and the scent of honeysuckle on the evening air. It flits by in the twinkling of an eye but so much to enjoy while it lasts. While some days and nights have been much too hot for comfort the gentler days have been a delight. NowContinue reading “High Summer and Stitching”

The Summer Garden and a Simple Meal

Past the midpoint of the year and whizzing by. Much to enjoy in the garden though with beautiful flowers and delicious summer vegetables. My early crop of peas are over and I need to resow as soon as possible. That sweet tenderness is a special treat I want to repeat. Beans are taking over now.Continue reading “The Summer Garden and a Simple Meal”

Strawberries and Wine

We’ve reached the Summer Solstice so Summer has officially begun. The heat some days is intense. Too hot by day to work in the garden but the evenings are pleasant. So much going on now with flowers, fruit and vegetables. I harvested my little crop of garlic which I planted in Autumn. The bulbs areContinue reading “Strawberries and Wine”

Summer Fruit and Flowers

The glorious May weather seems a far away dream now that June is here. Although we have some sunny spells there’s also a lot of rain. I know the garden needs it but not heavy downpours. As I write thunderstorms are expected and the rain is pounding down. Still plenty to enjoy in the gardenContinue reading “Summer Fruit and Flowers”

Roses, a Recipe and Thoughts of Spring

Refreshing rain at last! Sunny days are wonderful but constant watering is a chore. The garden was very thirsty but now it’s moist and full of promise. The roses have started flowering and their beauty is a joy. My “Golden Showers” climber was the first and lit up a corner where it leans against theContinue reading “Roses, a Recipe and Thoughts of Spring”