Rather than visit a nature reserve every month, as in previous years, I have decided to pay a monthly visit to St. Ethelwold’s Garden. A dedicated team of volunteers keep this garden thriving! Some are gardening experts. Others are newer. Since December, there has been a notice about Simon, one of the gardening experts, who died. There is a book of remembrance for him inside the house.

This is the view from one of the many seats in the garden and the view back to St Ethelwold’s House, which serves as a spiritual retreat and community centre, as does the garden.

Last week was cold, and there was thick ice on the water butt.

After two windy storms (Isha and Jocelyn), today was sunny and breezy.

There are not a lot of flowers in January. But some of the flower heads from last year have been left and still give a good display.

The first flower of the year was probably the Winter Aconite. They are balled up in the morning or when it is cold but open up to reveal six petals within a frill of leaves by afternoon.

Clumps of snow drops are also flowering. I also saw pink primroses and dutch irises, protected close to a wall. Hose pipes are laid about and help irrigate the garden.

A robin was on the highest spur of leaves above an evergreen, singing away.

A great tit and blue tit were on a tight rope near a peanut holder. They could be the same birds that visit our feeder in West St Helen Street. Our garden is about 80 meters from St Ethelwold’s as birds fly.

Owners of two gardens in Abingdon opened their gardens to the public on Sunday, June 11th 2023 as part of The National Garden Scheme, a charity that opens private gardens to the public for a small admission fee.

The linked gardens, which are owned by members of the same family, have been participating in the scheme for eight years. They are known for their creative use of plants and sculptures to create tableaus.

There were also cakes and refreshments being served and plants for sale.

One of the garden owners is a wood carver, and members of the Oxford & District Wood Carvers came to do some wood carving in her front garden.

The National Garden Scheme is a way to enjoy beautiful gardens, support a good cause, and learn more about gardening. For more information, visit www.ngs.org.uk.

This morning, people were sitting out in the gardens of St Ethelwold’s House in Abingdon.

Most of the early flowers have energy stored in bulbs to allow them a quick start.

Bees were collecting nectar to get the hive stored with energy.

The pussy willow tree was covered in furry catkins.

The trellis that divides the house end and lawn area will soon be covered with leaves and flowers. As the first leaves appear, it makes a frame for spiders’ webs,

Two volunteer gardeners were busy clearing and planting for the months ahead.