Winter is welcomed here, always, second only to my favourite season, spring. There is, thankfully no choice on this rather restful time arriving.... at the moment at least.

Winter Solstice is celebrated here too. The longest night and the shortest day is a wonderful reminder that the dark is necessary for the light, as well as being a moment to slow down. We are hibernating like our squirrels. Well, at least with less opportunity to work in our cutting garden, we sit by our fire, and turn towards rest and reflection.

On dark days, dare to dream is the phrase that keeps going through my head. That, and a quote from Rumi:

"When you plant a tree every leaf that grows will tell you what you sow will bear fruit. So if you have any sense, my friend, don't plant anything but Love, you show your worth by what you seek...."

For almost a decade, we've been doing the flowers a bit differently. Always seeking the sustainable, our canalside cutting garden continues to be our comfort and joy, our strength and sustenance. We wish you the happiest of winter seasons.