The First Frost

As the seasons ebb and flow, so too does the ever-changing beauty of our founder Lucy’s cottage garden. Each month, she shares quiet musings from among the borders - small joys, new discoveries, and the gentle rhythms of nature as they unfold. From the first unfurling petals of spring to the mellow glow of autumn, these notes offer a glimpse into a garden forever in motion.

The first frosts have completely transformed the garden, with what was left of my autumn blooms succumbing instantly to the cold snap. Even the valiant last ones standing at the party – the dahlias and the second flush of nasturtiums – were hit hard, the dahlias turning black overnight and the nasturtiums left frosted and limp. Until next year….

Floral colour is naturally limited at this time of year, unless, of course, you’re tucked away in the greenhouse. But the crab apples are still putting on a wonderful show, vivid red popping against the beautiful wintry landscape. Their abundance brings a welcome burst of colour to the back garden as well as keeping plenty of visitors well fed.It’s not been a stellar year for my chrysanthemums, and I’ve yet to work out why – whether it’s something I’ve done or simply the result of the long, hot summer. But the one chrysanthemum that has come into bloom is more than making up for the rest, its soft terracotta-pink flowers huge and wonderfully blousy. It’s a real beacon of joy in the garden, particularly now.

In the greenhouse, my Christmas paperwhites are coming along nicely. Now that their first shoots are beginning to green up, I can start bringing them indoors – though whether I’ve timed them perfectly for Christmas, and for that sublime scent I’m hoping will drift through the house, remains to be seen.They’re now joined by all my geraniums and pelargoniums, which I managed to bring in just in the nick of time before the frost hit. The greenhouse has never been so full – or so colourful – as the lingering warmth has kept them all in bloom. It feels like a particular treat to take refuge from the cold amongst them all, mug of piping hot tea in hand.