Winter garb

The garden is continuing into its winter garb. Leaves are all but gone, except on the few evergreens. However, even now it holds some surprises.

 

Along one side of the walled garden, there is a line of 4 holm oaks. They act as a screen so our neighbours can’t see into our bedroom windows. For the first time ever, one of them is producing acorns. I presume it is a case of having to gain a certain maturity before the trees can produce acorns. From now on we will presumably see more every year.

 

As for the main back garden, the eye goes straight to the mahonia. This evergreen shrub – its leaves are rather like holly – is crowned at the moment with several bright yellow hands, fingers outspread, of bright cheery yellow flowers – a welcome splash of colour.

 

Yesterday I walked as far as the mahonia. I was surprised to see just behind the mahonia a small hebe with a small deep purple loo brush. Our gardener must have planted the hebe this year. She often brings plants she thinks we’ll like. And now it is in flower, echoing the last purpley geraniums on the other side of the garden.

 

The front garden still has its bronze chrysanths. A few cheery yellow ones brighten it up.