I miss the light, only a few weeks ago it shone brightly and warmly on my face. Now, as we reach the winter solstice it’s slipped through my fingers. We wake to a deep blue sky and streetlights, we eat breakfast as the sun slowly rises, candles are lit by 4pm but the twinkling lights of our Christmas tree lift our spirits. I’ve been disciplined to get myself out for a walk most days, even in the rain, I find even a half hour outdoors is good for my mood. My two favourite ways to remedy the gloom is 1) to make and create and 2) to bring touches of nature indoors where it can be more readily enjoyed. Here’s a little activity that marries the two!

• Take one vintage bowl, flower pot or enamel vessel
• Fill with good fresh soil
• Plant an odd number of forced hyacinth bulbs to half their ...