​Letters from the garden
 
Dear Readers,
 
Well here we are in November the leaves are still hanging on in some areas, the colours have been spectacular this year, from ruby reds to the most vibrant of oranges and zingy yellows especially on the beech, it’s just stunning and one of my favourite moments of Autumn. I hope you have all enjoyed the spectacle as once the colour has gone unless we see snow it’s bare trees and dark green for the next few months.
 
For those with some later colour and grasses which look great at this time of year, you will have a much happier outlook, with Whitchazel and winterflowering Viburnum, Daphnes’, Sarcococca (Christmas Box) you can’t go wrong then add a few coloured dogwoods and you have nailed it.
 
One of the best things at this time of year are the Berries, on the Pyracantha and of course the lovely Holly Bushes, make use of these in the home before the Birds get all of them, and the ivy of course, I must admit as it’s been so mild the honey Bees have been having a fest on the ivy flowers which I am happy to see, and I will wait my turn for the use of this plant, I normally go looking for moss in the next week for my wreath which i will make soon ready to be displayed.
 
It’s getting harder every year to have these particular traditions as the seasons change and it’s milder, the jobs that would normally be done by now carry on until Christmas, the whips are later this year we are now starting to plant for clients, and there are still beds and borders that are not ready to be put to bed yet.
 
This does mean that come January and February we are carrying on and getting as much winter work done as possible, lots of fruit tree pruning, Vines if they haven’t been done already. Compost heaps to maintain and build, fires to be had, trellis to be fixed plants to be tied up, food on the beds and lawns and the list goes on. So much to think about and it will be March before you know it.
 
Well good luck foraging for foliage and Christmas decorations, hope you enjoy the festive season once it’s upon us.
 
 
Lynn Dupont

​Letters from the garden
 
Dear Readers,
 
Brrr!! Had a couple of frosts, been scared by witches, burnt a few Guy’s and the leaves are blowing, must be mid November and the thermals are ready to be worn.
 
We are on the winter clearances and hits at the moment, lots of them, reducing some hedges as well which is good for the following year, It helps us a lot believe me.
 
I’m not happy, Christmas is creeping up and I haven’t even thought about presents, I have however thought of food and what vegetables I’ve got to use for then, and what my wreath will be this year, I used my dark red hydrangea heads last year which worked and I think I will use them again with Bay as my green with moss. Well that’s one thing off the list anyway.
 
We are working on a couple small garden transformations at the moment and will be doing these in the new year, we love doing the whole change around for someone’s space in the garden, what can we do to make it the place to be for the morning cuppa in the winter sun or summer sun.
 
Other projects are needing the borders sorting and some fresh planting, replace herbs that are old and tired, add fragrance and there are loads of choices for Winter fragrance as well as Spring and Summer, so this month search for your next fragrant plant to enjoy over the next few months. I have a Sarcoccoca ‘Christmas Box’ by the front door which works well and has a very strong scent it’s worth giving a go or my favourite Hamamelis ‘Witch Hazel’ this should go on your present list so make sure the husband or wife know what is expected this year.
 
Enjoy the garden bonfire’s and don’t forget to check for critters.
 
 
Lynn Dupont