Although September has brought misty mornings and dampness, grey skies and little sun, there are still bees in the garden; their hum and buzz a lasting echo of summer. And here are the plants they are visiting; all late-flowering and nectar-rich, providing a feast for the bees as autumn takes hold: Sedum herbstfreude ‘Autumn Joy’ Honeybees… Continue reading Blooms for bees: September
One of our favourite walks through the village takes us down to a track that leads to a farmhouse. So often, it’s at this point that we turn back and head home, but on a sunny September day it’s impossible not to linger. There by the side of the track stands an old apple tree,… Continue reading September’s spell
Late August. The evenings are becoming noticeably shorter and there’s a feeling of summer drawing to a close. Last week the combine harvester was in the fields long into the evening, gathering in the last of the wheat before the forecast rain. Now the fields are filled with golden stubble and edged with hedgerows that… Continue reading The humble hedgerow
For days now the cherry plum trees that line the end of the garden have been spangled with white blossom. We’ve missed the clear, crisp days of winter when the sky is blue and the air cold. Instead this profusion of tiny flowers must be our frost and our snow. Beneath the branches, huddled together,… Continue reading Snowdrops and snowflakes, blossom and bees
January. Quiet beginnings. And the cold, stark days, somehow make this a good time of year for reflection. There are plans to make for the year ahead, and more often than not the best new plans come as the result of first looking back. I started The House at Nab End in September 2012 with… Continue reading Reflection
I often think that winter is my favourite time to be outdoors. The wind is harsh yes, but the sun is kinder. No sun burn, no insect bites, no nettle stings. We can stride out across the fields. Open spaces uncluttered; no leaves on the trees. The hedgerows reveal their bony structures, adorned with the… Continue reading Winter walks and the year ahead
Stir up Sunday has been and gone and Advent is upon us. Time to start enjoying some festive flavours. My recent haul of vintage china from the “everything a pound” stall at the local market included a pretty plate, so I baked a batch of biscuits as an excuse to use it. These cookies are… Continue reading More simple ways to cheer up dark days – cranberry and chocolate cookies
