The gardens are generally looking fine. Though frankly if they didn't during June, I might as well give up and get a proper job. But the Kidney Beds are in dire need of a major revamp. They were cobbled together five years ago with a few sitting tenants, some plants from my garden, gifts from … Continue reading Beauty And A Beast
Gardening
“I Hate You”
I could not believe my ears. Had she really just said that? I'd only known Margaret (the local farmer) for a few hours. How could she possibly have formed such a robust opinion of me in such a short time? It was the summer of 2008. I had applied for the post of gardener at … Continue reading “I Hate You”
Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
Water quality in the east pond has recovered. Heavy winter rain has flushed out any remaining sewage, bleach and bath-suds. (A cowboy plumber, working in 2008, patched the soil pipe from the main bathroom into the drains carrying rainwater to the pond, see - 'A Mild Sense Of Panic'). In my first two years at … Continue reading Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
An End To May
As I walk about the Priory gardens, I am watched. When deep in thought (it happens), I might suddenly look up and be quite startled. These four made me jump - but then it doesn't take much. Margaret's cattle are part of the summer scene at the Priory; mooing loudly (and often very unnecessarily), drifting … Continue reading An End To May
Win A Copy Of ‘Remaking A Garden’
As promised, here's another book giveaway. It is a treat being sent new books but finding time to read them is a problem. When Jessica at Frances Lincoln sent me Sir Roy Strong's latest, I decided to take it with me to the Chelsea Flower Show and read it on the train. But don't try … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘Remaking A Garden’
Chelsea Flower Show 2014
I'd never been to the Chelsea Flower Show. The thought of large crowds getting in my way and blocking what I want to see has always put me off. That and being constantly pestered by celebrities. But I didn't hesitate when I won a ticket for Press Day (for last year's RHS blogging competition). I … Continue reading Chelsea Flower Show 2014
One Day In May
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
The Anxious Gardener 