First Days of Winter...

Hues of berry, magenta, and chocolate create structural definition in the winter garden.  As the short days darken in the Northern hemisphere, our senses encourage us to snuggle down for hibernation. Under a cosy bed of rotting leaf mulch, the perennials draw back to the warmth and comfort of their roots for rest, restoration and nourishment.  In winter, the natural world retreats, withdrawing its energy from the outside world; maybe we too could benefit from applying such ancient wisdom?

Thanks to incessant downpours, our heavy clay soil has been surprisingly malleable this week, surrendering self-seeded thistle roots with ease, making way for new plantings  In some traditions the start of winter signifies the new year, a time to make resolutions and set the seeds of intention for the seasons to come...

Summer Showers

Rain water streams through the flower beds as the clouds dump their bounty.  Our hillside location encourages the garden to drain, preventing the thirsty roots from drowning.  But... the delicate rose heads are overwhelmed, their paper thin leaves drenched and in danger of  turning to mush.  

This is where the statuesque, vertical berberis is a true asset in the summer garden.  Providing structure in the winter and stability in the summer; a place for the delicate flowers to rest their heads above the soil until the sunshine returns to restore them to their full glory.  

Raindrops Nestling in the Blooms

As we approach Midsummer, the garden is an abundance of colour and scent.  Each morning, as a new blossom unfurls, Icy rushes out to sample the scent.  The elegant Compte du Chambord, stays tight in bud until the warm afternoon sun dries his papery leaves; diamond raindrops simply evaporate into the ether...