December 2004

SET IN STONE

Although rather awkward to wrap and put under the Christmas tree, an old stone drinking trough – weathered and smoothed over many years by livestock rubbing against it – would make a wonderful planter or pond for a gardening friend. Rachel Adams of Stone Troughs sources the containers, plus millstones and staddle stones through farming contacts in Cumbria, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. More than 50 troughs in various shapes and sizes can be viewed at www.stonetroughs.co.uk or call 0113 2841184 for details. Prices start at around £300.