Traditions......

​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