Summer Plants and Winter Frost

I was looking out over the front garden just the other week and was thinking you wouldn't know it isn't summer. The garden looked in full bloom with hydrangeas, lavenders, roses, daphne and honeysuckle still flowering. Many of the summer annuals were still flowering in their pots - in fact they've looked so lovely I haven't got around to swapping them over with winter bedding plants yet. I've usually replanted the pots and baskets long before now, but it's been a mild autumn and the plants have been thriving rather than dying back. It seemed a shame to uproot them for new ones yet. 

As November came to an end, December and the meteorological beginning of winter arrived - officially winter and with it came the cold, ice and heavy frost. The heavy frost turned the garden into a whole new world of white, transforming its look and all the plants into something new and magical. 

Of course, those last summer plants have begun to fade now after the heavy frost and it's time to get my skates on and replace them with some winter bedding before the year is out. It's a milder week weatherwise so it's an ideal time to put the garden to bed for winter, do a last tidy and visit the garden centre before the winter bedding plants are all sold out and replaced with Christmas trees and Christmas decorations. 

A Rainy Day With The Ducks

We've had plenty of glorious autumn days recently and it's always uplifting to be out and about enjoying nature and the myriad of spectacular colours that this beautiful time of year brings. I enjoy a walk in all weathers though and sometimes there's nothing more quiet, peaceful and calming than a walk in the rain. 

I just happened to be waiting for tests results at my hospital, where I have to visit regularly. Here, we have a duck pond, which is a special place to come and enjoy the calming surroundings of nature. We call it the 'duck pond', but it's more like a small lake. On sunny days you will find patients and families feeding ducks and geese and just enjoying them, watching all their antics. It's a nature reserve with trees, shrubs, flowers and greenery - and there's plenty of seating areas to sit and enjoy the fresh air. On wet, colder days it may be quieter, but people still come and go, pass though and pause for a moment to see. The duck pond has a magnetic draw; a peaceful oasis to find some calm amidst the stresses of everyday troubles and health worries. 

Although it was pouring down, I decided to have a walk and wander around the duck pond to pass some time while I waited for test results. I had the place to myself. Time to stop and take in the sight of those last autumn colours; time to breathe in the scents from the earth, trees, plants, rain and water - breathe in deeply the fresh air; time to listen to the sounds - the water trickling, the wind rushing and the birds' differing noises. Senses heightened - the feel of the wind, rain and wet on my face. The simple act of walking renewing my energy and strength. The revitalising feeling of the raindrops. 

There's a whole cascade of benefits in being out amongst nature. It's quietening and calming on the mind; it places you in the moment - a chance to focus on the beauty unfolding around you, rather than worries and stresses. It gives a certain calmness leading to relaxation. Feel good endorphins. Mood changes. Stresses lessen as your mind, body and emotions brighten. It's simple and free.

Don't wait for the sunshine. Walk in all weathers and enjoy some refreshing rain. 

First Frosts

November and this week we had a beautiful autumn frost. Our first one this autumn, so we've done really well for having milder weather until now. Vivid blue skies with a dusting of crispy crunchy silver underfoot. The garden takes a whole new look, telling us to be prepared as winter is arriving now the days are closing in. 

Delicate layers of fine ice shine amongst the vivid red berries of the cotoneastor tree. The butterfly house hangs quietly - summer over. There's still an abundance of autumn and summer colour. It's been so mild the verbena has started to flower for a third time, but the arrival of the frost will stop it in it's tracks soon, as it sways in the cold now. 

The pampass grass looks deep gold amongst the orange hips from the spring flowering cherry tree. Vivid to the backdrop of glorious autumnal trees.

The bird baths have frozen over -  logs, fallen leaves and the last of the summer plants coated in ice. Thoughts turn to the colder days of winter. Bracing winter walks, hot coffee, warming afternoon tea, cosy nights by the fire with the lights on low, candlelight, cushions, warm throws and the curtains firmly closed as we near to Christmas. 

Time to think of hearty and warming winter food. I'd been promising myself I'd cook a Hungarian Ghoulash sometime after our recent visit to Budapest. A frosty day feels like a good day for it. 

An Simple Hungarian Ghoulash

Ingredients (serves 6 or plenty for leftovers) 

A pound and a half of best lean stewing steak

Assortment of winter vegetables (For ease and a quick cheat, I used a ready prep packet of carrot, swede and butternut squash) 

2 - 3 onions (or throw in half  a pack of ready prepped frozen - I like to keep life simple!)

Olive oil, 

Few teaspoons Paprika, 

Few teaspoons mixed herbs (whatever's in the garden or cupboard) 

Seasoning and black pepper

Tin of tomatoes (I added a few fresh cherry toms too) 

250ml red wine

500ml beef stock

Flour

Method

Warm oil olive in pan and saute onions and vegetables 

Coat steak in flour and add and brown in pan with vegetables

Add in red wine and stock (adjust amounts if necessary) 

Stir in paprika, herbs and seasoning and pepper

Cook in pan until meat browned and simmering hot

Transfer to casserole dish and warm in on a moderate to low heat for a few hours. (I used gas mark 5 for two and a half hours) 

I served mine with new potatoes and winter greens, but anything goes!