inspired by my Sussex trug

Having been brought up in Sussex, it was obvious to me that no-one could set up home without a trug, so when my Aunt gave us money to spend, we went to the local garden centre to choose one.

Sussex trugs became de rigueur when Queen Victoria ordered some for her family at the Great Exhibition of 1851. They are skillfully crafted from Sweet Chestnut and Willow. Ours is used regularly in the garden to carry our hand tools. It includes my Dad's two favourite stainless steel trowels, one of which has a new handle made by him.

It has been a good day in the garden. Weeding done, bark chips scattered and a small juniper tree planted by the new stone steps. The tools are all back in the trug ready for the next fine day.