Behind some outbuildings at the Old Forge is an oil tank and an expanse of gravel. For three long years, I weeded that gravel until, a couple of years ago, I (finally) realised I was being stupid. Instead of weeding, why not fill it with plants? Drought resistant, hardy plants of course but there would … Continue reading A Gravel Garden For Free
Conservation
The Tree Bumblebee
Last week at The Old Forge I saw and photographed a new species; new to me and new to the British Isles. The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is a recent arrival to these shores - first recorded in Wiltshire in 2001. Since then it has spread quickly throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. As they … Continue reading The Tree Bumblebee
The Stoat And The Pigeon
I've just returned from a few days in Norfolk. We stayed in a relation's holiday home (featured in The Norfolk Coast) and I spent happy time looking out over surrounding fields and marsh, clutching my camera, sipping tea. On my first morning, I was watching hares, when a stoat leapt over the garden wall. I'd … Continue reading The Stoat And The Pigeon
And So That Was March
The longer, brighter days of March brought new life to the Priory. A kingfisher is an occasional visitor, as are mandarin ducks; and tree-creepers are a new notch in my bird-watching stick. But all three are ultra shy and impossible to photograph. Yet. With the grass growing, canada geese returned. They don't stay long; just … Continue reading And So That Was March
Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Who wouldn't want to see more butterflies in their garden? (I'll ignore the gentleman at the back, raising his hand). (Just some of the moth and butterfly species in 'my' gardens) Well, they're really quite easy to attract. For example, you could plant cabbages: you'll get flurries of cabbage whites. Not what you had in … Continue reading Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Wordless Wednesday: Still No News
Fingers crossed. (See The Duck Nest Box).
The Duck Nest Box
I'm happy that wild mallard call the Priory home. But I could do without the acute guilt trip they laid on me last year - even if it was well deserved. For the past couple of years, one of my (many) must-do jobs has been to replace the ancient, dilapidated duck nesting box on the … Continue reading The Duck Nest Box
The Anxious Gardener 