At this time of year the light is a hindrance. Whilst trying to work, I'm constantly having to stop and admire a particular plant, Osmanthus x burkwoodii. Fantastic shrub, tough as old boots and superb strong scent combination of plants, Queen of Night tulips with cherry and pear blossom or a certain scene. How can … Continue reading Blooming Priory 2
English Country Garden
New Residents at the Priory
You may remember that I built a nest box for a tawny owl. And you may remember that last year rather than a tawny owl, a pair of wood pigeon nested in it. Grrrr. This year, each time I walk past the 'box, I throw it a little sidelong glance to see whether there is … Continue reading New Residents at the Priory
Blooming Priory
I'm trying to catch up after all my time off. Serves me right, of course, for going away at such a busy time of year. The grass is growing like billyo and needs weekly cutting now. In the greenhouse, seeds are germinating within a couple of days of being sown and much is ready for … Continue reading Blooming Priory
Suckerin’ Succotash
I spent yesterday taking the suckers off of alders and willow. It's a job that takes up a great deal of time, but I finally tackled the last of this sucker-fest over in the north-east corner of the garden. It's an area of the grounds that is relatively untouched. The flower meadow ends here where … Continue reading Suckerin’ Succotash
Oak Killer
Despite banging on about how much I love oaks, I plan to kill one. The Priory oaks add real structure, permanence and sheer weight to the beauty of the estate. (Rather like shrubs can do in an herbaceous border, I suppose). As well as oaks, we have other big trees here: enormous ash trees (including … Continue reading Oak Killer
Super Evolving Foxgloves
So. Having burnt my foxgloves (moderate oven, 72 hours), I re-sowed some fresh seed into the same half tray, watered them, popped the tray in a plastic bag and placed on the floor under the bench (away from the heater). And when I looked yesterday there were three young foxgloves still alive! How did that happen? … Continue reading Super Evolving Foxgloves
Freeloading Ne’er-do-wells
A third wave of crocuses (Pickwick) are now showing off. A stouter plumper crocus this, befitting it's name Gosh. What's that? On that tree? Looks like a well made nestbox. Rustic and yet chic. The flurry of comments on my recent auricula post was such that I feel obliged to post another picture of this … Continue reading Freeloading Ne’er-do-wells
The Anxious Gardener 