Look back with pride at your plot

Firstly, a very happy Christmas to one and all! Most readers will see this issue before the day itself but to those who pick it up afterwards, I hope you had a lovely time in this strangest of years. The Christmas period is always one of reflection at the year just gone, but none of us could have imagined what 2020 was going to throw at us. While it’s been brilliant to see so many people enjoying their gardens, it’s been such a tough year overall and the lack of contact with family and friends has been difficult to bear. We can, at least, look ahead to a better year in 2021 – the vaccine should get us back to some sort of normality and we can resume our lives again, though hopefully with added gardening! Next week I’ll tell you of my New Year resolutions (gardening ones at least!) but for now I’m happy to look back at a year in which so many of us took to the garden to find solace, relieve boredom or, in some cases, just to have something to do! And the results, which we’ve seen from the hundreds of pictures you’ve sent us, have been spectacular. This has been the year of the garden, and we are all better for it. We’ve seen more people buying Garden News, too – both new gardeners and those rediscovering this wonderful pastime. It’s been our privilege to produce the magazine each week and encourage you to create some wonderful outdoor spaces. Have a wonderful Christmas, however you spend it, and be very proud of your gardening this year!