Gardening is Not for Wimps

9th November 2022

Do you dread this time of year as much as I do? As the autumn gets into full swing, I feel the trepidation rising. No more casually stepping out into your garden in your t-shirt on a warm dry day to do some deadheading, a more determined approach is called for: I have to gird myself up to take that first step after a night of heavy rain; to don waterproof clothing in order to shake excess water off shrubs and tall perennials now bent double under its weight.

It occurs to me, as I peel off my sodden attire, that gardening is not for wimps! Don't get me wrong, I'm a year-round gardener, and regularly prune my climbing roses on New Year's Day. No doubt, there's something very precious about the bright sunny days of autumn, when you can relish the fresh air and have a real go at clearing summer borders. But the blustery, grey winter days hang heavy. Ornamental grasses have collapsed, their strappy leaves flying around the garden like streamers. The ivy has climbed into the apple tree and worked its way under the decking of the roof terrace when you weren't looking. The pull of the garden is as strong as ever but finding the motivation to get going is a Herculean task!