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’
English Country Garden
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
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
Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Who wouldn't want to see more butterflies in their garden? (I'll ignore the gentleman at the back, raising his hand). (Just some of the moth and butterfly species in 'my' gardens) Well, they're really quite easy to attract. For example, you could plant cabbages: you'll get flurries of cabbage whites. Not what you had in … Continue reading Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Wordless Wednesday: Still No News
Fingers crossed. (See The Duck Nest Box).
The Duck Nest Box
I'm happy that wild mallard call the Priory home. But I could do without the acute guilt trip they laid on me last year - even if it was well deserved. For the past couple of years, one of my (many) must-do jobs has been to replace the ancient, dilapidated duck nesting box on the … Continue reading The Duck Nest Box
The Anxious Gardener 