The life of a country gardener.

10th Feb. First snow, now floods!

After the snow had thawed I thought we might be able to enjoy the first signs of spring now. No such luck. This photo was sent to me by a journalist taking pictures of crazy people attempting to drive through floods. The 'crazy person' here is the other half taking Little B to school this morning! No that is not a river he's in but the road that we travel up and down four times a day to get to the next village. As you can see if he had stuck to the road it would have ended in disaster! He chose instead to cut up the lovely grass verge that slopes up to a white picket fence. I hope there's not too much damage! Most people turned around and took a 15 minute detour, a few tried their luck and ended up being pulled out by the local farmer who popped back regularly on his tractor to see if anyone needed help. I think the husband was the only one to make it without writing off his car (just)!

4th Feb. Fun in the snow.

I managed to get little B back into school today and spent some time having fun in the snow with Archie. He has actually had days of fun playing out with the children, and strangely gathered balls of snow all over his underside which had to be pulled off him! 

Our old dalmation on the other hand was having none of it and wasn't about to leave his spot in front of the Aga for this!

3rd Feb. Last orders for Valentines Hearts.

I have stocked up on willow woven hearts - perfect for adorning your front door not just for valentines but all year round. They normally take two weeks to delivery, however I have bought some in for all you last minute gift buyers. 

They also make perfect gifts for Mothers Day and Weddings!

Hearts normally cost £110.00. I'll round it down to £100 for orders placed before end of Feb. 

Feb 2nd. The snowy garden.

I love gardens coated in a fresh layer of snow. They take on a new dimension. It doesn't matter that the grass is mossy or that there are weeds in the borders, all this is hidden for a few days while the structural element is highlighted. 

When I woke to find the snow this morning I had to rush around with my camera before the gardeners started clearing paths and shaking snow from the shrubs which would be weighed down and lose their shape. 

I hope all this cold weather will kill off this years pests and give us gardeners a break this year! 

Feb 1st. The Yellow Book out now!

I look forward to getting my new copy of The Yellow Book every year, thumbing through, making stars by gardens I'd like to visit. Then it usually ends up in the car so that when I'm on my travels I can have a quick flick through and see if there are any exciting gardens I can pop into en route.

This year of course I'm looking forward to the book more than usual as I'm in it! I haven't yet seen a copy and will have to wait until it hits the shelves (well until I get my box of them delivered) on Wednesday.

If you would like to visit us this year we will be opening on May 1st and 2nd, June 14th and August 30th. All proceeds from book sales and entrance fees are divided between many popular charitable causes. If you would like me to get your copy of The Yellow Book in the post to you click here.