CLARE FOGGETT, EDITOR
Dank, abominable, miserable: all words I’ve heard used to describe the weather we’ve endured so far this winter. Thank heavens for the signs of spring to remind us that there will soon be an end to it: the plucky bulbs are already pushing upwards and buds are fattening on the bare branches of shrubs. Our gardens in this issue feature an optimistic helping of spring’s earliest bulbs – snowdrops at North Green in Suffolk and crocus at Hampshire’s Little Court – as well as the daffodils that come later in the month and the collection of camellias at Borde Hill in Sussex. Hopefully they will whet the appetite with a taste of what’s to come. There’s not too long to wait now.
I’ve never managed to stick to any New Year’s resolutions I’ve made, but, even so, these early months of the year always seem to induce in me a desire for self-improvement. Signing up to a short course or new studies is a much more enjoyable way to go about it than the denial and strictures most resolutions seem to involve – we’ve rounded up some tempting options for this year on page 103. I often develop a strong urge to spring clean at this time of year, too, but will direct my energies towards the shed. After months of muddy gardening, often quickly abandoned when the weather worsens, my tools are grotty and everything is in disarray. Turn to page 95 for ideas on smartening up yours.
CONTRIBUTORS
Lucy Shergold
Garden photographer Lucy enjoys creating images that reflect the unique qualities and beauty of each garden she photographs, highlighting the details to tell their stories.
