Wintering seems to be the new word for hibernation. I quite like it. It gives us permission to slumber a while longer, restore our energy, and awake at our own pace, when we feel ready. A slower paced January is nothing new; it can be a bleak month, but I love it. There are no expectations upon us. We tend to wait it out until February, and then we're not far away from March. Before you know it, it's Spring and then the promise of some warmth and summer flowers to follow.

I know what you’re thinking ... ... but given how speedily the last 6 months have flown, the more festive ‘C’ word will soon be upon us. I am taking pre-orders for #seasonal door wreaths from September onwards, for local (10 mile) delivery/collection from #hoghton starting early December. (The last date for orders is 5 December please.) They are available in two sizes: A 12 inch wreath - £30 A 14 inch wreath - £35 (This is the size of the frame, not the design, which will, of