The Majestic Dignity of Evergreens

 In these challenging times, where we are all being asked to dig deep for inner strength and understanding, we can look to nature's steadfast evergreens for a sense of endurance.  Our late autumn landscape, a warming palette of olive, aubergine, claret and saffron evergreens, can provide opportunity in our daily routine to pause, re-centre and balance. It is in the peace and awe that nature inspires, that we can reacquaint  ourselves with the healing balm of breath.

Autumn Foliage Takes a Bow...

Rotting leaves squelch underfoot, softening the path, a nod to the long days of the summer.  Leaves, rich in hues of autumn, journey towards decay; once more revealing the strength of their intricate structure.

Nature bestows unexpected moments of joy;  a shaft of caramel light sweetens the landscape through the drenched lens of unrelenting mizzle.  It is in these fragile moments that we witness the restorative magic of nature, our footsteps releasing the unmistakable scent that announces the arrival of Winter and her entourage of sparkling crystals.

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...

Mining for Change...

This marks the magic boundary, where cottage and garden will converge, to create a space with a vista that we hope future generations will enjoy.

Valley Garden Paradise is both a joy and our passion.  Being custodians of this gentle valley, its wildlife, flora and fauna, invites challenge and creativity.  How to best manage the sloping hillsides, the natural watercourse, deer, pheasants, slow-worms and bees?  How to seamlessly integrate the whole, a fusion that will enable us all to live here in harmony? From a flowerbed showcasing the passionate flamenco of Crocosmia Lucifer with statuesque Sambuca Nigra:

To the shape shifting creation of a garden room and terrace, a spot to sit and contemplate the landscape anew...

As I sit here, a baby bee impatiently buzzes, asking me to open the kitchen window; she's blown off course and now she's in a hurry to get home in time for tea!

The Fourth Week of Creation

As the garden begins to show her blooms, delicate leaves being tempted to unfurl in the spring sunshine, the garden is simply a 'Tale of Two Aspects'

To the north, under the watchful eye of the white rabbit, a stream of violet iris meander through the Rose Nevada towards explosion of Roserie de la Haie.  Little Reader, is caught between two worlds, her tiny frame inviting us to stop awhile in nature's magical wonderland.  Quietly, she observes the construction of vibrant yellow scaffolding slopes, access points for her new neighbours: the dumper, the digger and the rock breaker.   A new footprint is emerging, created with the power of a machine and strengthened with a sea of concrete, in time this will mark the point where the garden and cottage become one.