Spring snow?

“Have nothing in the house that is not either beautiful or useful"
-William Morris


Dr Patricia Andrew quoted Morris in her talk to day to Stirling Decorative and Fine Art Society on “21st Century Garden Developments in Britain”.

Oh dear! if I apply that then 90 per cent of this house and garden should be binned.

Novel developments in the 21st century include, Gureilla gardening, communities reclaiming neglected urban patches of ground and councils renting out their roundabouts to keen gardeners ( Highland Council).



Artist gardens were mentioned, notably Ian Hamilton Finlay and Charles Jencks and she pointed out that the difficulty with artists gardens is looking after them after the death of the artist because they are high maintenance.

She also said that despite all the hype surrounding cities hosting Garden Festivals the reality is that after the event nothing is left for the community despite all the promises beforehand.

Finally for those who worry about weeds and the perfect garden she says to relax: ”leave nature to itself and it will do the right thing.”

Now that’s the kind of advice I want to hear.


Woke this morning to snow on The Trossachs, I suspect though it will not remain long because the temperature is rising.