Late December & The First Frosts
Notes From The Field
We’ve been waiting for this moment; the frosts have arrived. Finally. Joyfully. And with it they’ve bought a deep cleansing to the ground, an encouragement to the leaves to do their falling, and that ethereal beauty that is saved only for Winter. It’s been a sharp -5 overnight, the landscape has been decorated in glittering ice.
The watering of the overwintering seedlings is happening only sparingly, ensuring that we don’t water in the afternoon or evening before a frost to stop us running the risk of freezing their tiny roots in their cell pots. We’ve left the hardy annuals outside though- they’ve been gearing up to the cold for a couple of months now and I’m hoping they’ll make it through this snap.
This time of year, I think, is the best for walking. A smarting cold on the cheeks, the breath hanging in the air, but get a march on and the blood pumps and fizzes warm. We’ve had some sunny icy days which make for so much beauty - a crunch underfoot from the ice, a warmth on the skin from the sun. The fogs have been too, laying heavy enough to not lift all day. Rain or shine, baby Rex has been suited and booted in the warmest layers and strapped to me to go out. The three of us- Paris, Rex and I gathering up the very best evergreens and foliage from the plot. Note to self- grow more bay and rosemary for winter wreathing. It’s so lovely when it gets crushed between snips and a warm, herby scent fills the air
A highlight of the last few weeks were the wreath workshops. Paris and I decked out The Cygnet in Fittleworth, festooning it with swags and branches, candles, lights and a huge display of our dried flowers for decorating the wreaths with. We welcomed so many people - a lively and joyful mix of people coming from down the road and from far flung countries. Angus, who runs the pub and restaurant made everyone warming mugs of spicy mulled wine and choux pastry mince pies.
The dried hydrangea stash got well raided in the afternoon session, but the evening session’s style leaned towards the wild and green look- twiggy branches, dark, plump ivy berries and layers of different foliage. Textures of cedar, bay, pittosporum, cypress, pine then decorated with fluffy bunny tail grasses, nigella, and shining strawflowers. Every wreath came out beautifully and markedly different- each a unique expression of the creativity of the maker.
The ribbon choosing was the best bit, streams of colour hanging from the door- we can’t get enough of beautiful ribbons for wreathing. We really want a ribbon emporium. Paris is already planning to get all the ribbon swatches from the very best ribboners in order to source only the very best colours and textures- the luxury ribbon collection is strong here, and I hope, it will only get bigger and better for next year.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas, I’ll write again before the New Year.
