As I write in June, the winter this year has been very wet and cold. The rainfall has exceeded the average and temperatures have plummeted to “freezing” on several occasions. Here at Rokewood we even experienced a rare frost and various plants have been damaged. The stalwarts of camellia, rosemary, lavender, rock rose and azaleas continue to thrive. The bulbs of bluebells, iris, daffodils, a few tulips and hellebore plants positively welcome the cold.

Winter is a time of garden activity during the day…roses and grape vines to be pruned, weeds always to be dealt with, the summer growth controlled and autumn leaves and foliage managed. A log fire at night is a welcome ritual

It’s always a surprise to see the green leaves of bulbs that have lain dormant and forgotten in either the garden or pots suddenly make a welcome appearance with green leaves.

So, planning for the Spring Festival of Country Gardens generates an anticipation of kinder things to come.