The cold snap

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IT'S THE 6TH JANUARY, and my second proper day back gardening after Christmas. I must admit, I'd predicted that jobs would slow down in the run up to Christmas (they didn't) and would almost definitely drop off in January (they haven't). So here I am, in my many layers, on my hands and knees, on frozen ground. 

I'm talking figuratively. I'm not actually writing from the field. I'm warm and toasty and have hot soup in my tummy and a huge woolly jumper on as I type from my dining room table. But this morning, I was up and out as soon as the sun rose, and it was -2. My nose was frozen. I passed my nephews on their way to school. Jack, 8, said "Rach, you look like you're going skiing!" He wasn't wrong, I was in my fleece lined waterproof trousers, a fetching purple, a Christmas gift from my mum. 

My first job of the day was in one of my favourite gardens to work in. A gorgeous mix of lawn, borders, decking, paving. It's south facing, in one of the nicest parts of Leigh-on-Sea, a stone's throw from the water front. I'd bought a coffee on my way to warm me, which I was grateful for as I knelt on totally frozen soil. Radio 4 buzzing by my side, I started pulling up weeds, clearing fallen leaves. I go to this garden every three weeks and come spring, it'll be ready for lots of new planting. I've been routinely clearing it in readiness for this, and with each visit it gets closer. Today was about clearing a border of weeds, and as I went - exposing fresh worms - a robin and thrush followed me around. At one point they were so close to me I half expected the thrush to hop onto my outstretched arm. (See a poorly taken photo, below!) 🐦

Things I loved seeing:

  • Buds on the camellia
  • New growth and buds on a hydrangea container on the patio
  • Decking so frosted it looked like silver glitter
  • The silhouette of a fig tree against a ridiculously blue sky
I've been busy writing planting plans for clients this week too, designing their planting schemes ready for the spring. I cut down some asters which had finished and turned them into a lovely dried arrangement with poppy seed heads. I also visited a new client who wants help with both shade loving plants for a border, and help on how to bring a plain bit of decking to life. 

If there's something you'd like help with in your garden, now is a great time to get me round to have a look. Email me at terralegra@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram x






















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