I've always thought that if I can entice insects and wildlife into my garden, then well... I'm doing something right; A nicely camouflaged thick-legged flower beetle on love-in-a-mist even if I don't always notice them, I'm doing something right. Hornet on Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight' Of course, we all know that insect numbers are falling … Continue reading Three Simple Ways To Encourage Insects Into Your Garden
Conservation
The Green Woodpecker And The Magpie
I'm very fortunate that my study window looks out over the canal. It's a grand view if an awfully distracting one. My eyes lift from my laptop all too easily as people walk, cycle, jog or paddle past my window; or a mute swan glides about on still water. Moorhens aren't so good at gliding. … Continue reading The Green Woodpecker And The Magpie
Win A Copy Of ‘The Cotswold Wildlife Park, A Celebration Of The Gardens’
Yesterday, at their invitation, I drove to The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford in Oxfordshire. I hadn't been before and only a complete cupcake would say no to an invite for a free lunch, a guided tour by head gardener, Tim Miles, and free access to the Park, its marvellous animals and lovely grounds. Lunch … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The Cotswold Wildlife Park, A Celebration Of The Gardens’
An Otter In Stroud
Of all England's mammals, there is one - more than any other - that I have always wanted to see in the wild. Only one animal which, since I saw that film and read that book as a boy, I'm aware of, subconsciously at least, as I walk alongside streams and rivers and shoreline. When … Continue reading An Otter In Stroud
Win A Copy Of The ‘RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening’
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’
Almost Wordless Wednesday: That Darn Owl
I don't see him very often but when I do, the Priory tawny owl brightens up my day. He'd be so much easier to photograph if he roosted in a less twiggy tree. But he likes his lofty, camouflaged perch and my focusing challenge just puts a twinkle in his eye.
Grass Cutting – Again
(I've written about cutting the two meadows before but as it is such a big part of my working life at this time of year you might forgive me for revisiting the subject). Cutting the Priory meadow is a job that looms large from late-summer onwards. Cut it too soon and I lose late flowers … Continue reading Grass Cutting – Again
The Anxious Gardener 