Nature is truly amazing, yet usually we don't stop long enough to consider it. For instance, what is the significance of winter in the natural cycle of things? It makes us take stock, nourish, replenish, wind down and hibernate in preparation for spring... yes, it's not just for squirrels!

THE WONDER OF PUGH’S

Pugh's Garden Village in Radyr is busy preparing for the winter to make sure you get the best out of your garden and home and to help you celebrate in style during the festive season. So, what's in store?

The tree
Part of the thrill and ritual of Christmas is choosing a tree with the family - just the fragrance itself is pure nostalgia and an air of festive cheer and banter is guaranteed. The team will help to take the headache out of selecting your tree with their needle-firm Irish fir and spruce trees. They can be delivered to your home anytime from the last week in November and range in size from 4 - 12 foot in height, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor display.

If you're looking to theme your tree, then you will find a fabulous range of twinkly fairy lights, novelty outdoor lights, LED's and, of course, baubles and tree ornaments. And if you like to add something new to your Christmas collection each year, then you're bound to find something to hang on one of the branches.

The front door
The entrance to your home is a real opportunity to make a statement and no front door is complete without a beautiful seasonal wreath, garland, planted container or window box. What better way to greet your guests when they arrive for the festivities than with a classic standard tree of holly, bay or box and a sprig of mistletoe to induce the folklore tradition of romance! Once over the threshold, a splash of colour and vibrancy can be provided with a bold display of poinsettias or cyclamen.

Community
Pugh's Garden Village and have been supporting community projects since they opened 40 years ago. This year, they are holding a colouring competition and local primary schools will be participating in an attempt to win a Christmas tree for their school.

They have provided a Christmas tree in the Capitol Centre in support of the George Thomas Hospice 'Light Up A Life' Campaign and also trim trees at no charge with all donations going to The Heart Foundation. Maybe this year they'll beat last year's total of £1,500? Visitors to the Village can select and pay for their Christmas goodies and pay up to £4 only for a hamper to put them in. This would make an ideal gift for garden lovers and foodies alike.

Treats for the foodies
The Café at Pugh's will be the place to relax over a mug of steaming hot chocolate, a cup of coffee, a mince pie or a slice of chocolate Yule log. Also look out for seasonal flavoured soups and sandwich fillings. Don't leave without selecting some of the goodies available in the Farm Shop, such as meats, cheeses, pickles, jams, chutneys chocolates and a range of festive flavours and treats. Also available will a selection of beers and ciders.



Gift ideas
Where do we start? Favourites include pots, plants, garden benches and Chimneas which will bring a warm glow to gardens on a cold crisp winter evening. Gift vouchers are perfect for keen gardeners and packets of seeds make ideal stocking fillers for green fingers who want to ensure a riot of colour for summer gardens.

Spring
Yes, it seems ages away, but in gardening terms you need to plan now. For anyone who has missed the window of opportunity to plant dry bulbs this autumn, then you will find a selection of 'living' bulbs which can be grown in readiness to welcome in the spring season. And for vegetable lovers, now would be a good time to prepare your crops by planting Spring cabbages, and other seasonal produce.

Pugh’s Garden Village Tynant Nurseries, Morganstown Radyr CF15 8LB 029 2084 2017 www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk Pugh’s also at Style Gardens, Port Road, Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm