Frosty end to the year...

As the year gradually draws to a close, the cool weather drops across the garden's & touches all but a few cosy corners with a sprinkling of snow, followed by days of below zero temperatures. The bones of the garden, as they say, are exposed in the form of structural planting, evergreens & trees etc. The consistent work by the volunteer team to prepare the gardens for winter is now evident, & so the garden can wait calmly until the drier, warmer weather returns.

The garden volunteers once again assembled for a casual 'Christmas' lunch in the centre, following a good mornings work in the gardens. Ruth & I finally managed to bring our new arrival, Louis, in to make his first Hill Close visit, & meet the team. Of course, Louis slept straight through, not even waking up to smell the coffee!

Looking into next year, the annual Winter Fruit Pruning course is coming up on January 23rd 2010, to be followed by two new courses - 'Growing Vegetables: Potatoes & Root Vegetables' on the 9th February, & 'Growing Vegetables: Peas, Beans & Salads,' on 23rd Feb. The courses are often over-subscribed, so do make contact with the visitor centre to book your place as soon as possible!

Until then, a huge thank you to all our volunteers, visitors, members & supporters. The gardens are in good shape to leave the 'noughties' & as we head for a new decade; there are lots of garden projects & a full events list to look forward to. See you soon. Gary