I don't often post about The Old Forge (one of two gardens I work in) but I will today. I want to show you something. In the front garden, by the main gate, a Clematis montana sprawls over a flint wall. I have mostly left it alone but by last summer a tsunami of vigorous, … Continue reading The Old Forge’s Wisteria
Countryside
Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
I had long lusted after Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (lusted might be too strong a word). I had seen them in parks and open gardens but as VPM is a large shrub - and I only had a little garden - I bided my time. Then, within months of starting work at The Priory, and with … Continue reading Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
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
Steady As She Goes
The garden is sailing through spring so quickly. Though I've taken a few photos, I've not had the time to show you all of the Priory's April charms. Here's a quick retro peek at a little of what has grabbed my attention and maybe elicited an "Ahhh." The snake's head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) have been … Continue reading Steady As She Goes
A White Blossom Pause
In April, the Priory blackthorn is a joy. It lights up a corner of the meadow, and whilst I might curse Prunus spinosa for most of the year, I certainly don't in spring. Why do I curse it? Because it stabs me, that's why. The thorns scratch my arms, stab my fingers and if tiny, difficult-to-get-out … Continue reading A White Blossom Pause
Lambing
I know that I've posted a lot of lamb photos over the years and quite recently too (see A Happy Ending), b .. b .. but I had never witnessed the birth of a lamb. I've seen dozens of newborn lambs (thanks to having a farming friend), but I hadn't seen the actual flop-out moment. … Continue reading Lambing
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
The Anxious Gardener 