Seeds of Hope

Covid 19 turned our plans in 2020 upside down, it is so important that we keep making plans, it’s important to keep a positive mindset and making plans help us to do this. It’s still difficult as we begin 2021 in Lockdown.

The first week in January is a time I would usually start filling diary, this involves the excitement of planning, booking, getting in touch with family and friends to organise and then anticipation. This year I am determined to fulfil that void with a garden plan because one thing is certain, days come and go and before we know it spring will be here and the growing season will be upon us and a new beginning.

This pandemic has put a stop to our ability to plan ahead in almost every aspect of our lives with a few exceptions, one being our garden. How many times last year, have we looked up and said thank heaven for our garden! How many times last year have you thought about making more of your garden and turning your backyard into a little oasis, somewhere to relax or to exercise, to eat, to appreciate nature, to educate , or to grow your own vegetables and flowers for the table.

It is the garden, our allotment or community spaces that last year provided us with structure, routine, physical hard work, a plan and a sensory boost to our well-being, a feeling of achievement and satisfaction, hope and at times acceptance.

The global pandemic has highlighted how important green space is and more and more people are turning to their gardens, to cope with the restrictions and confinement we find ourselves in. This theme of a garden being restorative is something that I have always believed in. In 2016, I had the opportunity to enter a garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show:

Our artisan garden reflected the importance to us of connecting with nature and that as we see today it can help us through challenging times.

This January is the time to look forward more than ever before. Who knows what lies ahead of us. What we can do is make sure our outside space is ready for us to enjoy, and the time to make a plan is now. January in the garden has always been a time for preparation. To encourage you and help you with your garden we have created a garden space on this website, which we see evolving to suit your needs.

On this page will be lots of helpful advice and inspiration for your garden projects, we will offer an “Ask Alison “ section where I will answer some of your own gardening questions. As well as this I will be writing a “What to do this month” section to help motivate you to keep on top of jobs that need doing in the garden.

And I am also going to show you what I am doing in my own garden with regular Blogs and Vlogs, as I undertake to tend, nurture and improve my own garden through the year.

Its Mid-winter, my herbaceous borders are resting, the autumn planted hedge Prunus Lusitania is standing up to the wintry weather but there are still heartwarming little gems to enjoy, , if you look closely.

What a surprise, my wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) which I was given by a friend a couple of years ago has flowered for the first time its sweet smelling with pale yellow claw- like flowers on bare branches and next door to it another new addition (given by the same friend ) Sarcococca confusa (Sweet box)

Vanilla smelling white flowers with beautiful shiny green leaves and a nodding habit to its branch. Plant them near your entrance to enjoy their scent or cut stems and bring into the house , a natural room fragrance in a vase. A plant which does not smell so sweet but which are a joy this time of year are Hellebores.

I had a really large border full of them which I moved last year to accommodate the laurel hedge and they have not moved to their new home very well at all, the area has been waterlogged and they have struggled. So I will add these to my wish list as I miss looking at them from my kitchen window. Im delighted I ventured out, my cyclamen are still flowering and although the upright white flowers are pretty I love the heart shaped veined clumps of leaves…

My viola’s are looking a little sad today but it has been very wet, a quick dead head and a bit of dry weather and they will perk up. The Viburnum tinus is already in flower the pinkish white flower contrasting with its dark evergreen leaf. My pots of Narcissus, Alliums and Tulips are beginning to show signs which is encouraging and fills one with hope.

So there is plenty to see and lots to do, but for today I am going indoors, to make a cup of tea and plan my garden wish list [I’m always a little over ambitious !] , place my seed order and plan the new vegetable plot. I have been thinking for a number of years of adding raised beds to my veg patch as they would be easier on my back and knees to work in.

There are other advantages to raised beds, they act as a barrier between pathway weeds and garden soil, they prevent soil compaction, provide good drainage, and can help deter pests such as slugs and snails. You can choose the topsoil you prefer and therefore you are not inheriting problems. When planning your new area do not forget a green house or polytunnel, cold frames and water butts in your design. If you haven't already prepared your existing ground, there is still time. We can all benefit from regularly having a good look at our soil. We often take our soil for granted and over the years it can be neglected ,yet we expect it to support and nourish our gardens.

Invest in a soil testing kit straight away and lets add “Getting to know our soil” to our ” to do list “. In February we can get acquainted with our soil, do a soil assessment and look at ways of improving it, after all, soil is the gardeners best resource.

Enjoy planning and keep your fingers crossed for dry weather in the next few weeks as we have a lot of work to do!