In April 2012, I added two new beds at The Priory. I cut the turf from either side of the path-to-nowhere and planted a mix of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' and Verbena bonariensis. And it was OK but not a resounding success. Nonetheless, I stuck with it for another year hoping for a big 'wow' … Continue reading Verbena Bonariensis Beds
English Country Garden
Follers Manor
When Geoff and Anne Shaw bought Follers Manor in 2006 it was a mess. The house was virtually uninhabitable and the grounds an eyesore: a jumble of tussock, weeds and builders' rubble with a large, long-abandoned tennis court as a central feature. Today with the house and gardens rejuvenated it is easier to understand why … Continue reading Follers Manor
Beauty And A Beast
The gardens are generally looking fine. Though frankly if they didn't during June, I might as well give up and get a proper job. But the Kidney Beds are in dire need of a major revamp. They were cobbled together five years ago with a few sitting tenants, some plants from my garden, gifts from … Continue reading Beauty And A Beast
“I Hate You”
I could not believe my ears. Had she really just said that? I'd only known Margaret (the local farmer) for a few hours. How could she possibly have formed such a robust opinion of me in such a short time? It was the summer of 2008. I had applied for the post of gardener at … Continue reading “I Hate You”
Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
Water quality in the east pond has recovered. Heavy winter rain has flushed out any remaining sewage, bleach and bath-suds. (A cowboy plumber, working in 2008, patched the soil pipe from the main bathroom into the drains carrying rainwater to the pond, see - 'A Mild Sense Of Panic'). In my first two years at … Continue reading Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
An End To May
As I walk about the Priory gardens, I am watched. When deep in thought (it happens), I might suddenly look up and be quite startled. These four made me jump - but then it doesn't take much. Margaret's cattle are part of the summer scene at the Priory; mooing loudly (and often very unnecessarily), drifting … Continue reading An End To May
Win A Copy Of ‘Remaking A Garden’
As promised, here's another book giveaway. It is a treat being sent new books but finding time to read them is a problem. When Jessica at Frances Lincoln sent me Sir Roy Strong's latest, I decided to take it with me to the Chelsea Flower Show and read it on the train. But don't try … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘Remaking A Garden’
The Anxious Gardener 