In winter the garden is quiet.

Without the distraction of flowers and fruit, the evergreen leaf comes into its own. I notice their shape, size as well as texture and I am glad to have at least a few green leaves dressing the empty garden.

My succulents still look wonderful. Mr Frost hasn’t been able to find them, hidden in their sheltered spots.

The more delicate plants are as warm as toast and flourish under the glass of their terrariums. I am always amazed how a simple sheet of thin glass can offer so much protection from the cold.

A few autumn coloured leaves still cling onto deciduous trees. I admire their tenacity but heavy rains arrive and force them from their branches. Some drift down to float on the water in the Chinese bowls.

It is time to appreciate the silhouettes of the bare trees with their branches reaching across the garden like gnarled arthritic fingers. I hope they find what it is they are silently reaching for. 

JT