I wrote a post last February about the garden in winter (read it here), referencing the great Rosemary Verey's book of the same name. (find a copy here).
But what of ...
the gardener in winter?
I can't speak for others, of course, but THIS gardener...once the remainder of the fall garden chores is done...the last bulb planted, the hose disconnected, the back porch cleared of pots and shovels and rakes to make room for firewood, boots and ash buckets...
is MORE than ready to take a break from the garden's relentless neediness and insistent call. No pulling me in kicking and screaming as the days shorten; no bittersweet sentiment or sad garden goodbyes from this gardener. No sirree.
I am happy to move in for a bit...with the company of a cheerful fire and a companionable cup of tea or glass of wine.
I have stacks of library books and magazines and, yes, catalogs
that have been patiently waiting for my time and attention.
Not to mention Husband, stacks of paperwork, and a disgusting refrigerator.
If you are looking for something delicious to consume in front of your fire, I highly recommend PERFECTLY MISERABLE, by Sarah Payne Stuart.
It's the perfect read for a fall day...a non-fiction tale set in small town New England with historical references to Alcott, Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne...acerbic, funny, insightful, smart and touching. I half expected wild turkeys and little women to come fluttering out of its pages. Trust me on this one...you will love it.
