Last week the weather in London was very cold, but also dry and sunny and at this time of year the sun is so low in the sky it can be literally dazzling. Not good when your windows need cleaning but it can give some amazing effects when it shines through leaves and seed heads in the garden. I took these photos in my garden around midday, something I would never do at the height of summer, but the soft winter light was beautiful. The flowers heads of the large pampas grass which grows in our neighbours garden wave to us above the fence and this year the show is particularly good.

Next to these, are Fatsia japonica flowers growing in my own garden. There are masses of them this year, perhaps as a result of the hot summer and they look so like Christmas decorations I'm going to try and use them inside for the festive season. I am also going to gather armfuls of ivy, bay and holly which are the more traditional winter greens used for decking the halls, but I'll look for seed heads, berries and anything else which can be cut without depleting my small garden too much. I will often leave autumn pruning until now so that I can freely cut plant material to use for decorations, though I do need to be careful not get carried away or the garden next summer could look a bit bare. If you would like ideas on creating a spectacular winter garden contact me on 020 8767 1458