A confession…
October 2023
Looking back through photos and notes made in October there is much to be happy about but I have to admit to feeling low. I’m finding it difficult not to be overwhelmed by current global events. Better to admit it and try to find a way to regain my equilibrium than pretend it’s otherwise…
The Mental Health Foundation has useful advice, including the benefits of connecting with nature.
I’ve found plenty to do in that respect - as much indoors as out. There has been a glut of quince to harvest in the garden and in the kitchen the knotty question of what to do with so much fruit.
Chefs from Alaz, our local Turkish restaurant helped by collecting a big basketful to transform Into Ayva Tatlisi a traditional dessert of quince gently poached in cherry juice, with pomegranate, cinnamon and walnut.
Here, I made a batch of membrillo. Originating in Spain, this firm, ruby-red paste is delicious eaten at the end of a meal with Manchego or other hard cheeses. Riverford the inspirational company founded by Guy Singh Watson has an easy to follow recipe and plenty of advice on different ways to use it and as it’s traditionally eaten over the Christmas period it’s also perfect for home-made gifts - just saying!
Dealing with the equally abundant medlar crop will be the next challenge…
In the garden…
With the prospect of another cold winter ahead, it’s now time to protect tender potted plants such as aeoniums, geraniums and pelargoniums by moving them inside or to frost-free places. Pelargonium Sidoides, the subject of my pastel painting above is a tender plant from South Africa that I would be very sorry to lose. I’ve come to treasure its tiny, deep magenta flowers through summer and contrasting scalloped, grey-green foliage. Now it’s safely sitting on the windowsill of my studio.
Date for your diary…
My preparations for the annual Heart of Suffolk Winter Exhibition at Thorpe Morieux continue! Eighteen artists and makers are taking part this year and It’s a really brilliant event. The exhibition runs over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of December with the preview night for friends and art collectors on Friday December 1st from 6 - 8.30pm.
2024 Garden Days Calendars and Diaries…
As always we look forward to receiving orders from customers new and old.
There are no hidden costs - all calendars are posted in sturdy reusable envelopes and postage (for UK customers) is included in our price.
And as always…
Thank you for taking the time to read this and your interest in my work.
Happy gardening, stay positive and stay safe all :-)
