Aconitum napellus has bloomed in the nick of time: the first Priory frost can only be a few days away. oooOOOooo I'm flying off to Spain for a few days paddling, frolicking and general misbehaviour. But before I go, I'll just mention that the Royal Horticultural Society is holding a new blogging competition. Four judges … Continue reading Wordless Wednesday … With Some Words
English Country Garden
Flowering Lithops
It was only as I was damping down one of the greenhouses that I noticed the flowers. For most of the year, my lithops sit in their pots like well behaved little pebble plants or living stones (their other names). But in autumn, having spent several months doing very little, their time in the limelight … Continue reading Flowering Lithops
From Up On High
Scaffolding has gone up at the Priory. Though I don't have a head for heights, I couldn't wait to get up there and see the gardens from a new perspective. At the first (gutter height) level I could look down on to the tropical border. And, after a deep breath, I white-knuckle-climbed the second ladder … Continue reading From Up On High
Cutting Back
Though it doesn't officially start until tomorrow, autumn has crept up on me these past couple of weeks. Low sun and pale mist greet me when I arrive - soon the mist down here in the valley will be heavier: cold, dense and wet. Dock seed-heads (of which there are far too many) sparkle with … Continue reading Cutting Back
Win A Copy Of ‘The New English Garden’
I was delighted when Jessica at Aurum Publishing offered me a copy of 'The New English Garden' by Tim Richardson to review. But then I thought, "no David! Don't be so selfish - think of your readers." And so, I have decided to forgo my copy in order that you might win one. Just how … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The New English Garden’
The Tropical Border – 2nd Year
With the first hint of autumn, the garden is looking decidedly tired in places but the tropical border at least is putting on a show. It doesn't come into its own until quite late in the season and during this hot, dry Sussex summer it has needed almost daily watering. I added plenty of well-rotted … Continue reading The Tropical Border – 2nd Year
Islands
On the west pond is an island. It is perhaps ten paces across, with a weeping willow and several alders. For most of the year, I leave it be; ... a refuge for moorhen, mallard and, very rarely, kingfisher. But, back in July, I pulled on my (leaky-cold-trickle-down-the-back-of-left-leg) waders and ventured out with the strimmer. … Continue reading Islands
The Anxious Gardener 