First Frost

There is always a particular morning when winter truly announces itself out here in the central west. Not with rain or wind, but with silence.

The first frost arrived earlier this week, transforming the garden overnight. Windows bloomed with ice crystals, the creek wore a silver edge and every blade of grass caught the light.

What remained of autumn surrendered quickly. The last chrysanthemums, which had held on bravely through the shortening days, bowed their heads beneath the cold. Their once vibrant petals softened and darkened almost overnight. Beautiful still, just in a different way.

There is an honesty to winter. Once the flowers have tumbled over, you begin to notice the bones of the garden again.

The old stone walls, bare poplars against pale skies and buildings that have stood through many winters before all seem to step forward at this time of year. Even the stacks of salvaged bricks beneath the cypress trees, waiting for future paths, feel part of the story. Without all the colour and growth, the shape of the place comes back into focus.

This is our second winter here and these colder months are when we find ourselves planning, looking ahead while the landscape rests. Over cups of tea and long conversations, I’ve been quietly working away with dear friend Monty on some exciting ideas for the historic garden here at Bank House.

There are borders being imagined, vegetable patches conjured and old corners of the garden being looked at with fresh eyes. Much of gardening, like creative work itself, happens long before anything can be seen.

For now, we're happy to leave those ideas where they are. Winter has only just arrived. There are fires to light, books to read and frosted mornings to admire. The garden is settling into its quiet season and we're happy to follow its lead.

Spring will come soon enough.

~

The Rockley Garden & Arts Festival returns on the second weekend of November. We'll be sharing more as the months unfold. In the meantime, follow @rockleygardenandarts for updates and inspiration from our little village.