I am reliably informed that we are in the midst of Spring, and it is rumoured that summer may be along sometime. We who earn our crust in the world of horticulture, are up to our eyes at this time of year. Which is why I’ve not been around much lately, and my contributions may be a bit thin on the ground for a while. It is a late season. In my part of the world, trees are only just beginning to come into leaf. It was this observation which prompted me to think of trees. Or more specifically, pine. Or even more specifically, Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). I do understand, really, if non-tree-lovers are bored already. All ...  Read the complete review

"I herald the returning of Light and Life upon the season's wheel. Peace-bearer, Warmth-bringer; secrets of purification, healing, and prosperity I reveal. Banishing guilt, releasing your Shadow and healing grief are lessons I stitch with my slender leaf." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "If you imagine someone who is brave enough to withdraw all his projections, then you get an individual who is conscious of a pretty thick shadow. Such a man has saddled himself with new problems and conflicts. He has become a serious problem to himself, as he ...  Read the complete review

I have recently got round to redesigning the back garden of my home (finally after living in the house for two years!). I've gone for a very low maintenance layout.....lots of gravel, pebbles and cobbles, finished off with some lovely pot plants. The other day I came home to find a new arrival in my garden. A pot had 'appeared' containing a baby tree. 'Do you like it?', my husband said. 'It's a Monkey Puzzle Tree!' 'What on earth is that?', I hear you ask - I certainly did! I was puzzled and intrigued so I have taken the time to find out about this remarkably strange tree with the unusual name...... Also known as the ...  Read the complete review

I couldn't find a more appropriate catagory to post this article in, so this was the nearest option. I didn't want to wait until a new catagory was posted as Christmas is nearly upon us and it's time to go on the great Christmas tree hunt !! Every year my family has a tradition surrounding our Christmas tree. Fetching just the right tree has turned into a fab family outing,that starts the season off on a high. Sherwood pines Sherwood Pines is a part of Sherwood Forest that manages and sells real Christmas trees, and is run by the forestry commission. It has a designated site, and is open annually especially for the festive ...  Read the complete review