French Interest in Stevington's Ghostly Birches

I can't quite believe that our white stemmed Birches Betula untilis var. jacquemontii 'Grayswood Ghost' were purchased as sapplings about twelve years ago. At that time the ghostly hue was nowhere to be seen; only time would tell whether they would prove worthy of the position we had in mind; an avenue running from east to west leading to an ellipse. The decision to buy was taken on their reputation alone. Plus the fact that Bedford itself had many of the species growing as street trees throughout the town.

Last autumn the well known French photographer and bark specialist Cedric Pollet phoned to say he wanted to visit. He came on a glorious sunny autumn day and repeated his visit last week though truth be told the shy was heavy laden, the atmsosphere wringing with rain. Such a shame there was were no low rays of wintry sunshine to emphasise the ghostly glow. But these birches never fail to create an atmosphere of their own and sun or cloud they aare always very special. I wash them with a power hose at the end of January. The green algae goes and the bark radiates.

Thank you Cedric for your photos including the high rise views of the winter garden with its colourful cornus and weeping birches. I look forward to your return visit next year.

© Cedric Pollet; please have a look at his wonderful website: www.cedric-pollet.com

The Big Push

The aconites are at last ready for the big push, shoulder to the soil, just beginning to emerge, as the temperature has risen and we have enjoyed two sunny days. The cold weather of December and January, so far, seems to have held everything back so this is a welcome sight. The next two weeks will see them in full array, little golden lights carpetting the cottage garden, creating a carpet of colour under the lime trees, and edging the winter walk.

We have been spending the weekend washing all the paths through the cottage garden, around the French terrace and old fish pond. Not the nicest of jobs but at least they all now look clean and smart.

Even the white stemmed birches Betula utilis var jaquemontii 'Grayswood Ghost' received their yearly power wash; they glisten even more now and look wonderful in the low light of winter with the creamy white pampass plumes right behind them.