The new, updated edition of the 'RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening' is released on 1st September... and I have one copy up for grabs. Here's a little about Chris Baines' book from the publisher, Frances Lincoln: Wildlife has become a mainstream issue for gardeners and the public since this best-selling book was first published as … Continue reading Win A Copy Of The ‘RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening’
Author: David Marsden
A Garden Tour: The Old Forge
I don't feature The Old Forge very often but not because it isn't worthy: it's simply that The Priory is the main star of my blog and a jealous one too. Nevertheless, in late July on my regular Tuesday visit, I took some snaps and thought I'd give you a short - if incomplete - … Continue reading A Garden Tour: The Old Forge
A Pumpkin In My Compost
I've taken an obvious break from blogging recently but I wanted to quickly show you a pumpkin plant because ... well, have a look. It's content, isn't it? I didn't have space in the veg beds so rather than throw away six gift plants, I planted them in a compost bin. I watered on first … Continue reading A Pumpkin In My Compost
The Bedraggled Kestrel
Old, dilapidated and long overdue for renovation, The Priory garage and workshop is a magnet to birds seeking a home. Robins, blackbirds and wrens hop through holes in the rotten doors or missing window panes, to build a nest and raise chicks. A family of robins left in the past few days and I miss … Continue reading The Bedraggled Kestrel
Wildflowers On The South Downs
I'm not terribly fond of petrol mowers at the best of times but when they break-down repeatedly, I think them insufferable. If only they would listen to reason and I could patiently explain how simple their duties really are. At least a faulty mower induced forced-stop to mowing at The Old Forge gave me a … Continue reading Wildflowers On The South Downs
Birdsong And What To Do About It
In a previous post, I mentioned how the midday hoot of a tawny owl - and my thwarted attempts to see him - had driven me nuts. But that was nothing ... nothing ... compared to the song of a certain bird which has sent me doolally. This unidentified bird sings a simple refrain, over and … Continue reading Birdsong And What To Do About It
New House, New Garden: Introduction
After a seven month house sale and purchase, we finally moved into our new home in mid January. This is what we bought and how it looked on our first viewing last September. It's a flint and brick, terrace cottage; built - according to the estate agent - in the 18th century. Neglected, victim to … Continue reading New House, New Garden: Introduction
The Anxious Gardener 