English Country Garden

Wordless Wednesday: Wood Mouse

/ David Marsden / 10 Comments

We're going to have one fat mouse.

Fritillaria Meleagris – The Snake’s Head Fritillary

/ David Marsden / 30 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, after months of squelch, The Priory meadow was dry enough to support the weight of the Etesia ride-on mower ... as well as my added bulk sitting on top.  Had I tried to use it before the ground was firm, the Etesia would have carved up the grass like a … Continue reading Fritillaria Meleagris – The Snake’s Head Fritillary

Anemone nemorosa

/ David Marsden / 28 Comments

April brings wood anemones to The Priory and about time too. Of all the wildflowers that were already here when I arrived, the gradual increase of anemones over the past ten years has given the best reward. They have burgeoned in number using that simple - if obscure - technique of not strimming and mowing … Continue reading Anemone nemorosa

My Old Wheelbarrow

/ David Marsden / 43 Comments

I am ridiculously fond of some inanimate objects.  Too fond probably.  Long association with a non-sentient - some may say soulless - thing can forge an intimate bond and I am sometimes stupidly upset by its loss. Affection for my childhood collection of Biggles books needs no explanation - obviously - but take The Priory's … Continue reading My Old Wheelbarrow

Waiting For Snow

/ David Marsden / 60 Comments

It has been a terribly long wait since The Priory had snow enough to show and tell: a five-year wait.  The Beast from the East didn't bring huge amounts of snow to my corner of Sussex; but if we were spared the havoc meted out to parts of the Kingdom, we had sufficient for me … Continue reading Waiting For Snow

Greyer Hair, Whiter Finger

/ David Marsden / 46 Comments

One good thing about growing older is ..... nope, I'm struggling.  One thing about growing older is that the physical graft of professional, full-time gardening becomes harder.  An obvious insight but one I mention nevertheless as it has become increasingly noticeable during my working day.  My back aches more than it used to, my joints … Continue reading Greyer Hair, Whiter Finger

Priory Trees: The Tulip Tree

/ David Marsden / 46 Comments

For a short while, it is the garden's signature tree.  For most of the year it holds either naked branches against sky; or else a wrap of unremarkable green - like so many other large trees at The Priory.  It isn't quite the biggest tree and it isn't quite my favourite.  But for a few … Continue reading Priory Trees: The Tulip Tree