As the Winter Solstice approaches, we are reminded of the magic of Yule — a celebration of renewal, reflection, and the promise of brighter days.

I wasn’t sure, and I'm still not sure, what to plant around my beautiful Stone sculpture. I wanted to enhance that corner of the garden with colour, but I didn’t want anything that would detract from the Stone’s natural beauty. The plants needed to be tough enough to withstand foot traffic, as I wanted to be able to walk around the Stone and admire it from all angles. Plus, the nearby hedge needed to remain accessible for pruning, adding another layer of complexity to the planning.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the season of Samhain gently ushers us into the darker half of the year. This ancient Celtic festival, marking the end of summer and the harvest season, invites us to slow down and observe the subtle beauty of nature’s transition toward winter.

The main garden bed has also recently undergone a significant transformation, and it’s been an interesting process—full of both successes and setbacks. Several plants were relocated to better spots, but not all of them have handled the move well. While a few are showing signs of stress, I remain hopeful that by next spring, they’ll settle in and thrive in their new locations.

This summer, the ornamental grass bed in my garden took quite a hit and spent most of the season looking rather bare and forlorn, a far cry from last year when it seemed so full of life. Despite it doing well last year, it was apparent that some plants were just in the wrong place and changes were needed. But despite its current rough appearance, I’m hopeful that all the hard work I’ve put in will pay off, and the new arrangement will come together as the seasons change.

The Evolution of Seaview Cottage Garden: Lessons Learned Over the Years

Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute is a dazzling showcase of Victorian Gothic architecture and a must-see for any island visitor. Here's a wee bit of background on the Crichton-Stuarts, the family for whom this 'Big Hoose' is their ancestral home.

A Sunroom Transformation: How Stained Glass Brought Light and Character to Our Cottage

Vernon Kay Takes on Caber Toss Challenge at Bute Highland Games for BBC Radio 2’s ‘Let’s Move It’ Campaign As part of BBC Radio 2’s summer ‘Let’s Move It’ campaign, Vernon Kay is set to broadcast his show live from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute on 23rd August. The radio station's six-week initiative encourages the nation to get active, and Vernon has accepted a unique challenge to toss the caber at the island’s annual Highland Games.

Well that’s a wrap – What a month July was, with four fabulous local events taking place.