We got home on the 3rd January and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say I was definitely not ready to start the new year. In fact, the idea almost had me running for the hills. And as usual, I got home to find some of my trees had burnt to a crisp from the severe heat and black south easter wind that hits us every December. It’s a beast. That didn’t help my heart that was already feeling on the tender side of fragile.

As soon as I could I headed to my nursery and bought replacement trees, some new lavender to run the length of my pathway and some more jasmine to help create a beautiful wall covering that will hopefully eventually create a fragranced barrier dividing our home from the next.

I literally spent most of January in my garden, reworking areas, replanting, new planting and cleaning. It soothes and ministers to my heart, without question. I’ve been heading out for an early morning walk, with a friend almost every morning and when I get home, I tend to my little sanctuary and then have my cuppa on my newly arranged tiny “stoep” {veranda}.

It’s been a gentle way for me to restart this year.