Hamamelis Intermedia Jelena

In amidst the torrential rain and flooding, we have just had a spate of glorious days with wall to wall sunshine.  We awoke this morning to the most beautiful layer of silvery frost and clear blue sky as far as the eye could see.  Unfortunately, due to another late night following more Christmas celebrations, we didn't manage to get up and out in time to make the most of it, but this afternoon I managed to grab a couple of hours in the garden, in which I removed some turf to extend the new bed, chopped down an elder tree, cleared a couple of barrows full of nettle roots, and took a few moments to admire my hamamelis intermedia jelena, which is the first of my witch hazels to flower. 

Delphiniums in December

I love the Autumn.  It's my favourite time of year.  The muted colours, the light, especially at dawn and dusk, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the cool clean air with the occasional whiff of bonfire smoke.  I love the fact that the garden slows down and you no longer have to race to keep up with it.   I love clearing away the detritus of a year's spent grown, in anticipation of the new life to come in the spring.  When the spring comes I know I will be torn, and could well declare it as my favourite season.  But right now, today, in my garden, Autumn has it. 

Pyracantha teton