They say that every cloud has a silver lining. Well, it is hard to imagine that the leaden grey skies and sullen clouds of the past weeks have any kind of silver lining. It has been dank, dark, wet and windy and getting out into the garden of late has been difficult. But if there is a bright side then our sharp draining soil has helped provide small windows of opportunity to be able to enjoy the garden and work in it. When these windows open, we are able to cut back and clear the beds and borders allowing in light and air flow which provides good ventilation.All the hedges have now been cut and shaped and look sharp and neat. There is a feeling of order and good housekeeping. All the bulbs are in the ground or potted up. Everything is put to bed to sleep ready to awake again in Spring. But even with such slumber I can see the buds appearing and the shoots showing. Sure signs of a new year with the promise that brings.
Amazingly out Nepeta (Walker's Low) still looks lovely, forming the edge of our central path that disects the garden. The ornamental pears (Chanticleer) still look great with their green leaves clinging on and extending the season. They seem almost evergreen and are amongst my favourite trees.
But my tonic for these dark short days are gerdening magazines and books supplemented by the moving feast of colour from gardening programmes on television. These vibrant jewels on dark Winter evenings are a real treasue for me. They are the injection of horticulture that helps me survive the long Winter.
