Saturday 31 December 2016

Thought for 2017


                                                                Life engenders life
                                                             Energy creates energy.
                                                            It is by spending oneself
                                                             That one becomes rich  
                                                                           Sarah Bernhardt





Mad Hatter water feature in situ in Pablo's Garden


                                                  Good Gardening in 2017  






Autumn Colour






Glorious grasses - even in decline

I usually cut these grasses down severely in late autumn as they start to look untidy, but this year I've left  them to die back of their own accord to provide extra cover for insects over the winter.

magnolia stellata in autumn colour


This magnolia stellata is a delight in the early part of the year. It has both beautiful flowers and stunning perfume.

But it also has beauty in its decline. Witness the glory of the leaves which contribute so well to the colour palette of the rest of Pablo's garden in the autumn.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
quince tree and rose Tess of the D''Urbervilles


This quince tree complements the colour of the magnolia wonderfully, placed as it is behind the summer house. Last year it produced no fruit at all. This year it fared better and I picked a large bowl full of the golden fruit - said to be the actual fated 'apple' from the Garden of Eden.

Quinces are terribly difficult fruit as they take forever to cook  but they do smell delicious so this year I merely left them in a bowl with cinnamon sticks and dried oranges studded with cloves - Christmas personified!


Acer preparing for winter