November 2025
November is a stormy month almost everywhere, but this year, and here in La Laguna, it has outdone itself in gusting winds and torrential downpours. Since there's been no frost to speak of, the deciduous forests all around are mostly still in leaf, but leaden skies have unleashed endless water, and with it, a dank and penetrating chill.
Even in the rain, evergreens and deciduous trees provide autumn colour
A few days ago, with the end of the month almost upon us, the two rainless days needed to 'put the garden to bed' were still to come. I asked myself what I'd do if they didn't come - but they did. A sudden rise in temperature brought two sunny afternoons when the roses were pruned, leaves bagged for compost, the vegetable plot cleared, dug over and covered, and enough logs stashed to keep the kitchen warm until the days start lengthening again. There are still lots of small jobs to do in spare half-hours here and there, but the major tasks are done.
Holly at its best in a rare bout of sunshine
This last, rainy phase of the gardening year sets in motion the work of soil renewal brought about by frosts, precipitation and natural fertilisers like wood-ash and manure, and so prepares the ground for planting when the days lengthen and temperatures rise. It has taken me years of living here to understand and embrace the cycle of the seasons this way, and as with so much else I've learned from the garden, I find peace and 'renewal' in affirming, rather than resisting it.
Without its leaves, this Siberian dogwood is a cheery match for my little car, ‘Vinito’.