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Monday January 24, 2005

Winter colour

"So much for our snow, then," Graham said, with much scorn.

I looked out at the light dusting of snow on the drive, thought of defending it stoutly, and decided against.

"Well," I said. "At least you won't need to go out and shovel a path clear for the postman."

"Nope. Looks like the sun's going to do that for me."

And, sure enough, during the course of the morning, the snow disappeared from the drive, the pond unfroze, and the birds came out to see what might be available in the way of winter snacks.

I've left almost all the spent flower heads in the garden standing where they are for the winter, and the wild birds are showing their appreciation. That's joyful enough of course, but the flower heads themselves, dry and brittle, are providing colour and interest where and at a time of year when I'm not used to seeing it. I shall remember this trick for some future garden.

Winter colour in my garden

I'll be honest, and admit that the prospect of not having a garden of our own while we're living in London, at least at first, is one I find a little daunting. There's no shortage of public gardens in the City, of course, but it's extremely unlikely that we'll find a flat with an outdoor space of its own. There may be a balcony, however, and if not then it's astonishing what a dedicated trowel and fork can achieve in a window box.