Is it really nearly Christmas?
Unpredictable weather over the last few months has led to strange things in the garden.
The hostas had started to grow again, apple blossom on the trees and clematis flowering again in late October. The weather was so warm for October and so wet, 74mm rain measured in October.
The trees did start to produce their autumn colours by the end of the month, especially beautiful was the Spetchley Red vine I have been training over the patio.
November still had unseasonably warm weather but by the 24th the temperatures suddenly dropped to sub-zero at night.
We picked the kiwis and squash before these frosts turned them to mush so had a good crop.
Rain in November was just 40mm although it seemed like it would never stop.
Now by mid December the leaves have finally dropped and we have collected them up to rot down into a wonderful leaf mulch for next year. The weather is still variable up to 12 degrees some days but the majority of nights are minus and still plenty of rain (20mm by the 15th December)
Mistletoe is good this year so we have supplied the local flower shop and sold steadily from our trolley to raise funds for charities. Using some of it, along with holly, ivy and berries from the garden for our Christmas wreath.
Have a Happy Christmas and I will write again in January.
