Treasured Trees

William Wordsworth spoke lovingly of the beauty of the humble Ash Tree in 'Lines Written in Early Spring'.  Mighty oaks inhabiting the antient woodland, surrounding 'Valley Garden Paradise', are supplemented with a liberal sprinkling of ash saplings.  It's fair to say they do self-propagate like weeds!

Despite their exhausting promiscuity, it is so sad to learn that our native woodland trees are being struck down by a killer virus.  How will our antient landscape change?  Only time will tell...

Warm and Cosy

Advent, a time of reflection,preparation,anticipation! As wildlife hibernates, plants wait for a hard frost blanket to cover their beds the gardener has time to sit by the fire and plan plantings and colour schemes for the year to come.

  Eager snowdrops are already pushing through sodden soil, gasping for air in preparation for their moment of glory in January. With only eighteen days to go until the shortest day we are on the cusp of a new beginning - for me the greatest gifts this season will come from the garden and the natural world, its wonder never ceases to fascinate...

Charlotte's Web

As the trees de-robe and summer blooms become a distant memory, the attention is focused on the structural architecture of the garden.  One of my favourite winter attractions is the humble spider's web, spun with alacrity to catch its prey the exquisite gossamer labyrinth sparkles adorned with dewdrops reflecting the low-slung sun.

Spiders, arachnids - layered with suspicion and mythology - are in fact our friends.  wander around the early morning garden to find their stunning artwork edged in ice!