Earlier this week the largest full moon of the year hung above Liathach providing some pre-dawn light. On the morning of 21 December it will be the Winter solstice following the longest hours of darkness and turning to greater length of daylight – from which both the garden plants and the gardener will benefit.

We have celebrated this time of change with a big clean up, cutting the yew hedges and pruning back overhanging trees, providing fuel for a bonfire. Preparations are underway in the hotel for Christmas and New Year guests. We will spread the ashes of our kitchen garden Yule log fire at the feet of our orchard trees. Wood ash is rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium and is best applied once a year and can help neutralise acidic soils.  We look forward to good crops next summer and autumn while the earth continues to turn on its axis and provides exciting change and renewal.

Share This Post!