A little surprise bloomed in our garden…

As the year winds down and the garden starts to rest, I’ve been slowing down in our garden too. It has been less digging, more fairy lights for me. (Though indoors, I’m still tying up the last garden designs before I truly switch off for the year.)

Still, every time I walk the gravel path (no snow here yet!), I notice how the browns, the muted greens, the soft outlines of dried seed heads… they still bring me joy.


A quieter joy. But still very much appreciated.

Before we head into the stillness and warmth of the holidays, I want to pause and say:


Thank you.

For reading. For dreaming about your garden.


For replying, asking, wondering, and just walking alongside me this year.

It’s been full of meaningful projects and lovely conversations I’ll carry with me for a long time.

Why I planted amaryllis bulbs in my summer border

The previous winter, after Christmas, I did something a little odd…
I saved my amaryllis bulbs, not to rebloom next winter, but to plant them in our garden.

I watered them through January (okay, maybe into February), then tucked them away in a garden shed, with some degrees above freezing, to rest.
 In spring, I gently planted them (leaves already dried) among the border perennials.

Just to see what would happen.

And what happened?


They bloomed. In the middle of summer.
 Right there among my usual favourites.

Big, dramatic flowers right next to airy grasses and cottage-style textures.


A bit of a shock and lots of joy in the best possible way.
 (I wonder what the bees thought…)

It reminded me that the garden often rewards us for thinking differently or for dreaming a little ahead.

As the holidays approach and we pause to take it all in…


Maybe you’ll take a little walk around your garden too. 
Or glance at the green in the park. Or the trees down the street.

And maybe, just quietly, you’ll ask yourself:

• What do I really need right now?
• 
And what might I wish for in my garden next year?

Wishing you a peaceful, gentle Christmas with room to breathe, rest, and dream a little.

While the year gently comes to a close, the garden rests—and so do we. [19.12.2025]