Hedge Blush

Tonight's magnificent sunset turned the hedgerows blush rose in its glow.  A cherry sundae glaze coated the late winter landscape.  Amber rays stretched out from the low, tequila helios.  Oh, how I wished that I had my camera to capture this scene; the hedges were positively raspberry, something that I have never noticed before!  For commuters re-emerging from the city, it was like a scene from Constable country, warm, glowing,welcoming...

Wildlife Refuge

One of the joys and privileges of this garden is the daily inter-action with our native wildlife.  In the early hours just before dawn, it is a wonderful moment when the songbirds chorus in unison to welcome the new day.  Harmonious, cheerful voices echo through the trees as the natural world awakens from slumber.  In a world focused on 'our rights', it is important to think carefully about our responsibilities; we have a huge responsibility to protect and restore our countryside habitats for future generations to enjoy.  Life in a working village is about community, living and working harmoniously with each other as well as the land and the creatures who reside here.

Valley Garden Paradise is a peaceful,working garden, although without doubt she can be a demanding mistress with her fertile soil and steep, terraced beds.  Under firm, but loving, hands she blossoms, benefiting greatly from regular pruning, mulching. Her payback for this custodianship is handsome,  her bounty providing a healing space to sooth and restore the soul. A joy and natural wonder for all who work and visit.

Scents and Scent's Ability

As the days draw out and we head towards British summertime, it feels opportune to reflect on the beauty of the winter season.  Skeletal plant sculptures, draped in dried leaves and silken lace spun by spiders, define the cool hues of the winter landscape. From January onwards, delicate flower heads adorn the branches, pastel pom-pom petals emerging like a catwalk of scented, horticultural milinary.  Without doubt, there is as much pleasure to be enjoyed during the daylight hours of winter as in the riot of high summer.

A garden seduces all the senses, and the power of scent on the psyche is not to be underestimated.  Early flowering species are reliant on the power of their essential oils to attract pollinators.  The tiny white flowers on the Sweet-Box, Sarcococca, produce a  hypnotic scent that seduces the unsuspecting passer by, as well as being a firm favourite with the sleepy honeybees.  The profusion of glossy black berries now adorning the Box are testament to the success of the pollinators.  Other firm favourites here in the garden are the Daphne, 'Jacqueine Postle', and Witch Hazel, both in full flower at this time.  The healing power of scent in the natural world is a wonder to behold, only ever a breath away and free to those who linger long enough to sense the magic...

The Ides of March...

Well, what a crazy mix of weather we are all experiencing.  From the biting northerly winds, chilling everything in their path, to balmy sunshine, tempting us outside to inspect the garden.  One bonus of the cold snap has been the prolonged hellebore season; our bell roses are still strong and vibrant, acting as cool, sophisticated chaperones to the dashing young daffodils.  On the bee-bank, our snowdrops are returning to the green after a spectacular display, their energy driving downwards to the root bulbs in preparation for a well earned rest period.  This rest is essential for the plants to replenish in readiness for next year's season.  I often marvel at nature's wisdom and can't help thinking that we would be wise to follow suit, giving our bodies time to rest and heal naturally.

The pond is peaceful but will soon be a hive of activity as the spring cycle begins.  In preparation, locally there are 'Toad Patrols' to look out for, and assist, toads crossing the roads and paths on their annual pilgrimage to their home breeding grounds.  These cheeky amphibians are creatures of habit, and just like the infamous Mr Toad, they are extremely particular about returning to their roots, their own Toad Hall!  Hopefully, in just a few weeks, the pond will resemble bubble wrap just below the water's edge, and we will be able to watch the cycle from frogspawn all over again.  A wonderful rite of spring!

Love & Affection

In the dining room the woodburner crackles and pops on a diet of dry ash, radiating a warm glow from the 1740's inglenook.  Outside it's icy in the rain, heavy vibrations fill the air; the chipper is shredding hazel cuttings from the lower boundary hedge, its engine powerful and determined as it chomps through the rather large branches.  Note to selves: this hedge requires a gentle prune every year!  Being a working garden, we are busy all year round and sometimes manage to overlook the obvious.  Happy and growing with abandon, the hedge had grown to a height of to twenty feet or more!  It was only the realisation that our view was slowly disappearing that galvanised us into action...

There is a fine balance between a sustainable, managed country garden and overwhelming chaos.  Trees and shrubs respond enthusiastically to gentle pruning, throwing soft, fresh shoots and regenerating lower down.  It's easy to forget that this magical, textured landscape requires loving husbandry; after all we all flourish bathed in a little love and affection!