The fact that gardeners are obsessed by the weather is hardly surprising. It governs just about everything we do – especially at this time of year when frosts can be lethal. The fact is that it matter

Almost a year on from his final day hunting the Duke of Beaufort’s hounds, Matt Ramsden reflects on how his attitude to the winter, weather and hunting itself has changed

BY the time spring began edging into Fileby, Margaret had almost forgotten the feel of warm air on her face. All winter the valley had held its breath. The fields were a single quiet sheet, the hedges

Though January 1 marks the start of our calendar year, spring feels like the time when things really get going, as forests awaken, flowers bloom, migrating birds (swallows, swifts, warblers…) return f

As the long nights shorten, Mounton House garden quietly emerges from winter with delicate sprinklings of white narcissi, Scilla siberica and crocuses through the lawns. Daphnes fill the air with frag

Just before Christmas, a bitter wind blew in. Ice and snow descended, first in Scotland and then, on Boxing Day, across the rest of the UK. Before it could melt or the new year arrive, a second blizza