Saffron Sunset and Cold Cosmos

There is a definite wetness to the mornings at Towerwater and winter has moved in for what seems to be an extended stay.

The unseasonal bed of cosmos and zinias at the bottom of the vegetable garden is a riot of miniature flowers clearly not planning to get bigger and risking more exposure to the cold than is necessary.

The vegetable seedlings look unsure of what to do and are just standing around not really getting bigger. This is a big change from the seedlings in summer that grow at an unbelievable pace.

The Cottage with winter roses

I am eager to see how the orange beetroot and red carrots will respond this season. The sugar snap peas needed some urgent support and with Shawn busy maintaining the army of pickets, I decided to change the design for the supports.

The main house in winter

Andre and Maureen and the boys arrived soon after I returned from the local Agrimark with supplies. Mathew was interested in all the different materials and a morning of explaining ensued. Andre was roped into building the support for the peas and the boys played around exploring the garden and canal.

With Andre’s help, the supports were up in no time and we could sit down to a relaxed lunch while catching up on completed studies and printed publications.

With the vegetable garden attended to, I could spend Sunday morning bottling the ginger, vanilla and saffron liqueur that had been resting in the cellar.

Saffron Sunset

I was hoping for a strong ginger flavour but the vanilla was more prominent on the palette. The saffron added the hint of mystery for which I had hoped.

The liqueur, which I call Saffron Sunset, reminds me of cold misty days when the hint of ginger and vanilla will add warmth and comfort to one’s palette.