Newsletter - December 2020
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Plant of the Month

Rose New Dawn

There's always something special about the last roses of the season, they're poignant reminders of happy Summer days in the garden. They often have richer colour and that final waft of perfume is heaven. The last New Dawn was so perfect. Winter pruning had to be delayed until it had faded.
The garden has been a precious space this year with the Covid-19 virus lockdowns. As well as giving me pleasure and physical exercise, it has enabled me to enjoy safe-distance chats with family, friends and neighbours. Life would have been much harder without it.
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My little robin has been the perfect  gardening friend.  I try to turn over a clod of earth for him to forage for worms when I'm working, carefully making sure I don't tread on him! He was literally about six inches away from my feet when I took this photograph, he - or maybe she? - is amazing, so unafraid. He does get a bit over-exited when I have my garden spade ready! It's so lovely to feed the birds and watch them coming and going and I have deliberately hung a bird feeder in an apple tree outside my kichen window. It makes washing-up much more fun.

Artisans Corner News

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Slate Fence, St. Fagans 
This was my Christmas card a few years ago and there are still a few on sale this year. I bought some lovely square frames recently, refurbishishing  them with grey pebble chalkpaint. I have used them for the original prints as they complement the beautiful colours in the old Welsh slate so well. The slate fences are a traditional method of enclosure in Wales and some still survive. I love the way the snow has settled in the slate fissures and couldn't resist keeping the seasonal robin. Limited edition of four framed prints at £30.00 each.
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I have also added a Brown Hare in Spring print in a very pretty coloured wood frame. I added a small amount of green watercolour wash to the print to complement the green in the frame. Sadly there is only one of these available to purchase but there are lots more great ideas for Christmas gifts in the shop.
Please shop local if you can, your support is so much appreciated by all Penarth small traders. We've all worked hard to keep you safe and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and hopefully a better New Year.