Newsletter November 2021
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Plants of the Month
callicarpa Profusion
A lovely garden shrub at this time of the year with its slightly surreal purple berries and autumnal foliage. I thought I was going to lose it this Summer. It was badly affected by the earlier drought as it is quite shallow rooted. Thankfully attention to watering has restored it.
it is a great favourite of my garden robin but he has not visited for several months and I am wondering if he is a victim of the drought too - or perhaps our local cat population. Open Gardens Update
A slightly smaller fruit crop this year but all very healthy. Jupiter apples top, Glou Morceau pears, centre and Herefordshire Russet apples bottom store well in my North facing porch. The log store is being topped up too, this keeps them nicely dry and ready to use.
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Artisans Corner News
I've selected another page from my old sketch books, this time an en plein air pen and watercolour sketch of an old barn door in Tretower village. I love old, derelict buildings, they always have a story to tell. This one is clearly built from local stone and timber which includes a quirky odd-shaped lintel. There are traces of old blue paint on the door and remains of whitewashed plaster on the wall, I loved the plants round the door, a mix of wildflowers including my favourite cow parsley and orange flowered Monbretia, probably an escapee from a neighbouring garden.
A later visit showed it converted to a charming little cottage so its history goes on and I have recorded its past. 
With Christmas coming I have completely re-hung my display wall to give a better choice of framed prints and original paintings.
Guy has adjusted the lighting too so we are both benefitting from better, brighter hanging walls. Thanks Guy! |
