Winter Clearing

The ivy that clothes the walled garden has been on the hit list for a severe trimming for a couple of years, as the old head gardener from Flete would have been horrified that I had left it unchallenged for so long. But not only do the flowers and leaves make up a large proportion of the garlands and flower arrangements in the church Christmas flowers, but the nectar is essential for late insects, especially bees.  I’m also leaving a rather exuberant rosemary bush, which is flowering for the third time this year.  An immaculately manicured garden is a hostile environment for wildlife, and I miss the birdsong and the buzzing of the bumblebees when they disappear in winter.