Thoughts from a Garden Seat - Tapa dura

Graham Stuart Thomas, plantsman and writer on gardens, takes a moment to pause on a garden seat. He allows the seasons to pass before his eyes and, as he does so, he recaptures highlights of a lifetime's experience - ideas that lie behind successful planting and garden design and how to catch the best of the months as the year glides by. He ponders on the first signs of spring, the best early bulbs and the need to be alert to "false spring", on flowers and early work for summer, planting as in the wild and foliage colour and size to give perspective to a small garden. His thoughts move on through summer to the design of paths, the placing of seats and the right position for ornaments, of topiary in all its forms and where to see examples of fine avenues. As autumn progresses he focuses on the importance of winter colours and how to prepare the best lawns.