Winter

Ice Sculptures

The landscape is silent and surreal, the power of the snow to slow life down to a manageable pace is both astounding and reassuring.  Stress and pace, the ailments of modern life have been put on hold for just a few days... Bliss!

In Repose

Structure and form are crucial elements for maintaining winter interest in any garden.  Yesterday's early morning inspection, after Friday's heavy snowfall, was fascinating. Pittosporum and hoheiria, both native to New Zealand, appeared to lean forward; elegant, arching branches weighed down by the Snow Queen's gift.

I savour a return to the snowy winters of childhood, allowing plants and the natural world space to rest, time to breathe...  Joyful as it has been to watch the first daffodils unfurl their golden petals and hellebores pushing through the debris of last year's decaying foliage - it is a relief to know that it is okay to stop a while, appreciate the beauty of the here and now as we contemplate the seasons to come.

Birds and Bees

Winter wonderland abounds!  Overnight, fledgling spring shoots have been frozen in time; solitary footprints punctuate crystalised tracks.

What of our feathered and stripey friends?  Garden birds struggle in these adverse conditions, carbohydrates and hydration being bare-essentials for their survival. Swinging like a pendulum, the peanut feeder plays host to chaffinches and cole-tits who clasp the wire to partake in our VGP 'Plat du Jour': Peanuts and  Chilled Waterfall Water 2013.