"It is better to have less thunder in the mouth....

and more lightning in the hand"

An Apache Indian saying from North America

The third load of aggregate has been delivered by Portland Stone and now been put into position which has finally completed the paths in the Jurassic area.  This means that over the past few weeks the garden group has wheel-barrowed  some 34 tons of aggregate.  There is just one more 5 ton load to be delivered.  This will be a much smaller grade of stone to finish off  and make good the surface.

The third load!

Spreading it out

Almost there

Finished at last!

View from the gate

The completed Ammonite shaped path

The fine weather continues although with a few colder nights.  In the garden several butterflies have been observed -both Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell have been seen flying and basking in the sunshine.  Buff-tailed bumble-bees are still on the wing and have been seen all week.

Buff-tailed Bumble-bee

Flowers still hang on even in the first week of December.  Begonias, marigolds, echiums and Cupid's Dart are all still in bloom.

Cupid's Dart

On Saturday the garden held host to the Holy Trinity Church Carol Service.  The school welcomed some 100 adults and children.  We especially welcomed our friends from Highclere House who braved the (not too chilly) evening.  The gardens were floodlit and hot chocolate was provided for those attending.  The school choir led the singing and we thank Mrs de Chazel for arranging the songs and encouraging participation.

Welcoming hot chocolate

Tea lights picked out the paths

A reflection in the school pond

Carol singers around the willow classroom

The colourful scene  along the wall

The Sycamore trees bathed in colour

Another shot of the Sycamore trees and the full moon rising

A dramatic shot

The next task for the garden group is to prepare the area ready for the cold frame which has been kindly donated by the Dorset Gardens Trust. Work will now proceed with this project and hopefully the chosen site will be ready by Christmas. The finishing of the Jurassic paths will be completed early in the new year which will give the aggregate time to settle properly.