Camassia quamash Back in autumn 2021, we planted a small number of Camassia quamash bulbs in the meadow to test how they would cope in our light, well-draining conditions. Conventional wisdom has long held that Camassia belongs in damp meadows, yet we were encouraged by a number of reports suggesting it may be more adaptable and tolerant of drier soils than previously thought. And after all, the soil here generally only becomes very dry in mid to late summer, when the bulbs a

What a month! From glorious blue skies to sudden hailstorms, with the odd gale and drenching downpour thrown in for good measure, March has certainly kept us on our toes. The only weather we've really been lacking is frost – with just one or two mornings greeting us with a dusting of white. The unusually mild temperatures mean we're seeing plants coming into bloom a good month or so earlier than you might expect – we've even spotted bluebells out in the lane. Add to that the

As we enter the final few weeks of winter, our thoughts are already turning to the year ahead at Gasper Cottage. Regular readers will know there is nothing Bella enjoys more than embarking on a new project, and – true to form – she is currently to be found immersed in the planning of a previously undeveloped patch of garden. The garden of the adjoining farmhouse has two distinct outdoor spaces: a narrow strip at the front and a larger area to one side. With the side garden de

This is the month when the garden is at its deepest dormancy, and the exuberance of summer feels more distant than ever. As gardeners, out in all weathers, we learn to focus on the good days – when the beauty of winter sees us gratefully breathe in a lungful of icy air and reach for the camera. The soggier, less picturesque moments, when thoughts of " what was so bad about a desk job anyway ?" creep in, are best forgotten... While the garden may be deep in slumber, we are not

Christmas has arrived here at Gasper Cottage! Bella recently spent a very happy morning creating festive garlands and table decorations for the house, using foliage and flowers taken from the garden, hedgerows and local woods. We hope you enjoy them, and have a very merry Christmas wherever you are. The magic you can achieve with a liberal spraying of gold paint...! This is cedar taken from the nearby forest and gives off the most wonderful aroma. The trusty little red apple