It doesn’t matter what time of the year there is always something to see in the garden . Lately I have been delighted with the pieris . It is as tall as the house now and covered in white bells . When I pick some for a vase they make a popping sound as they drop off the stem . I still remember planting this and being so excited to see it grow so well.

The garden has seen some changes . The removal of the privet hedge about a year ago has made way for a row of camellias and some fillers for now while they grow. For 30 years we talked about getting rid of the privet !

I love the maturity of the garden and the way it changes over time . The down side is less sunlight and then I remind myself that in a few weeks I will be glad of the shade .

This particular brugmansia is facing the chop as it is a pesky sucker . The problem is it is also gorgeous ! Happy gardening Kyleigh

The latest news from the Shambles is that my new book has arrived.

In the shadow of “The Shambles”  is a personal collection of stories taken from my scrapbook journal that spans many years. It is an honest recollection of the sad and happy times that Michael have shared over 43 years right up to his death .  While Michael documented the garden from a scientific and historical perspective  I have always been writing more personal feelings . Many people knew Michael through his work as a local doctor yet he always kept his private story well hidden . He refused to be defined by illness and disability which is admirable. However, as Michael’s enabler and carer for decades we had to navigate around a lot of tough times. Luckily we had the garden . So this book is a love story set in a garden.

The book is for sale directly  from Kyleigh

email 85shambles@gmail.com

$60  plus postage