South of the river and north of the house, there is a big expanse of grass and flowers and life that I like to walk around at least twice a day. It's a nice place to be. But this isn't the only area of grass that is left to grow at this time of year. … Continue reading Mini-Me Meadows
Gardening
Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth
About four years ago, whilst walking around my garden, I saw my first Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum). It was early evening and it was feeding on some verbena bonariensis. Since then I've been very, very keen to see another. And perhaps, manage to photograph one. Whilst mowing today and not really thinking about anything much … Continue reading Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth
The Poppy and The Bee
After The Rain
Following on from a very dry April and May, June has ushered in cooler weather and sporadic heavy showers. Hoorah! (I'm such a killjoy). After one such downpour, I walked about the Priory gardens and took a few photos. Why is it that a plant invariably looks better with a few drops of dew or … Continue reading After The Rain
Hubris and Angelica. And Wasps.
A few weeks ago, all puffed up and pleased with myself, I wittered on about my Crambe cordifolia flowering for the first time. (See 'I'm So Excited'). It's up. Someone, somewhere, rolled their eyes, yawned, looked at their fingernails and decided to take me down a peg or two. Accordingly, the wind got up and … Continue reading Hubris and Angelica. And Wasps.
The Flower Meadow …
... isn't something that the owner of the house asked for. Rather it was something that I foisted upon him. I couldn't not. As soon as I saw that flat expanse of mown grass between the ditch and the river, I thought ahh, I wonder. It seemed perfect for leaving to grow into a meadow. … Continue reading The Flower Meadow …
The Greenhouse …
... sits at the highest point of the garden (if there's a strong north wind and I stand on tiptoe, I can get mobile reception up here. Sometimes). It is here that I run to when the weather is inclement. It is here that I take my breaks - if it's too hot inside, I'll … Continue reading The Greenhouse …
The Anxious Gardener 