This winter of 2008/2009 has seen us as busy in the garden as ever, although without the pressure of the larger projects of the previous few years.

The first major job this year was the removal of an old Escallonia hedge directly in front of the house which was dying out rapidly, and looked unsightly. We had considered taking out the dead sections and replacing, so as not to lose too much privacy , but eventually decided the best policy was to start afresh. After the removal of the old hedge, we have replanted with Beech, which already has introduced a wonderful winter contrast into this section of the garden. This has also given us space to run a new border adjacent to the hedge. This border is planned on a plum and silver colour theme, as I had enjoyed the contrast of these colours elsewhere in the garden and wanted to develop it further.

We have also carved from the lawn an area which has been planted up entirely with Tall Bearded Irises, all in deep, rich colours such as burgundy, mustards, deep pinks and purples. Yet another plant which threatens to become an obsession with me! This will inject some much needed colour and interest into this previously very green area of the garden. These plants should create a wonderful spectacle being planted en masse like this, and should do well on our sandy soil. I have chosen 50 varieties, from Cayeux Irises and Claire Austin Hardy Plants. Can't wait for May!

Lastly for this season we have planted an area of woodland; approx. 300 trees of 20 different species, mostly native with a few others such as Swedish Whitebeam, Hybrid Larch and Grey Alder. We have named this 'Eleanor's Wood' to mark the occasion of our eldest daughter's thirteenth birthday. At the moment all there is to show is a sea of stakes and tree guards, but it has given us a great sense of achievement to plant this area. It will make the footpath that runs through the field more interesting in years to come, and provide shelter for the garden and wildlife.

Click on the images for a closer view.