Happy solstice all. The darkest day has come and gone and we’re on the haul back towards the light. Wonderful. It felt a lot easier to find my #SixOnSaturday this week.

Despite the deep darkness of winter, there’s been much mildness so far this winter. Here are some winter veg that have weathered the storms so far. First, chard will manage through a mild frost, I’ve weeded carefully in the hope that a bit more light will allow a bit more growth.

Leeks have been standing strong too, making a great winter veg to pop into casseroles and soups. Long may they grow….

To get a bit seasonal now: I plan to add lots of this sage to some shop-bought stuffing, and some extra garlic to make a delicious ‘Italian Xmas Stuffing’.

For the turn of the solar year, I offer some hopeful buds on a soon-to-flower hellebore.

It wouldn’t be mid-winter without holly berries. These are from the last tree, now full of feasting field-fare. i think these must taste less good than those from the rest of the garden. They certainly look luscious.

I will end with a seasonal wreath, with holly, ivy, bay, and other green goodies. This will need a regular top-up, as blackbirds have learned how to land and sample the berries.

Seasons greetings, whether you celebrate the new solar year, or the glory of the consumer Xmas, its great for all to stop and have a wee rest in the deep dark. I’ll be celebrating gently. Join the sixes on Mastodon or other instances in the Fediverse via #SixOnSaturday, we need a few more folk to toot on the topic: come join us. All you need to do is find 6 things in your garden to show us. Then post on social, or add a link at Jim’s blog below. For regulars, our organiser is Jim at https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. Also on the former birdsite, for those who must: @JamesLStephens. And I’m on mastodon @julie3dharris@mastodon.scot