Yesterday was a special day. A five-minute walk away at Margaret's farm, the cows were being let out to summer pasture. I've written about this annual event in the Priory calendar before (see 'A Stampede of Cows'). So, here's just a handful of photos of a spectacle I always enjoy. After several months indoors, the … Continue reading One Day In May
Farm Animals
Walking Across England
I've recently returned from a fifteen-day walk across Northern England. I started at Ulverston, Cumbria and finished at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland. My route comprised the Cumbria Way, the central (and best) bit of the Hadrian's Wall Path and the St Oswald's Way. Here's a photo-blog of what I saw. oooOOOooo As you may know, one of … Continue reading Walking Across England
A Mild Sense Of Panic
After almost three weeks away from the Priory, the difference on my return is marked and, for late March, the garden far more advanced than usual. (I shall do a post soon about my walk across England. I have rather a lot of photos to sort through). I feel a little overwhelmed with how much … Continue reading A Mild Sense Of Panic
A Stampede Of Cows
As well as this gardener walking about in his shirt-sleeves and whistling, there are various other markers that spring has finally arrived: from the scent of wild garlic by the riverbank; to early purple orchids, Camassia quamash flowering on the meadow, the rock border overflowing with forget-me-nots and butterflies emerging - albeit a cabbage white. … Continue reading A Stampede Of Cows
Keeping Busy, Keeping Warm
The grounds of the Priory can be a scary place when the wind gets up. Even the largest trees twist and sway alarmingly; creaking, groaning and occasionally hurling down dead branches. Generally, I think of trees as benign stalwarts but in high winds, I keep a wary eye on them and avoid walking beneath those … Continue reading Keeping Busy, Keeping Warm
Lambs And Calves. Again.
I was going to be so strong. Honest, I was. I was going to resist, you see. Resist posting yet more photos of cutesy calves and lovely lambs. After all I've posted lots of photos of both before. But when Margaret (the neighbouring farmer) told me that she was expecting (so to speak), it gnawed … Continue reading Lambs And Calves. Again.
Cows In The Asparagus
As I parked my car this morning, I saw a black and white figure lurking beneath the hornbeams and obviously up to no good. But what on Earth .... ? Ah. I see. Great. Super. As they had long-planned, Margaret's cows had broken into the garden. A frantic phone call to Margaret, "Help!" and a … Continue reading Cows In The Asparagus
The Anxious Gardener 