Notes From the Garden

An unusually hot, dry summer has changed the pace of the garden. Reflections on resilience, drought-tolerant planting and finding beauty in the quieter moments of July.

Early April in the UK garden brings tulips, emerging dahlia shoots and the return of slugs and snails. A gentle look at what’s changing in the garden now.

Late February in the garden brings early spring warmth, crocuses and daffodils in bloom, tulip leaves emerging, and the first blossom on the trees.

Late January gardening in the UK often feels like a waiting game — but if you look closely, there’s plenty happening. After what feels like weeks of relentless rain, a bright January day like today really stands out. The soil is still heavy underfoot and borders are slow to dry, but the light has changed. The sun feels higher, warmer, more hopeful. Late January is a quiet turning point in the garden. It’s not spring yet — but it’s no longer the deep pause of midwinter either.