Years ago, my partner Jim (his real name) and I went to Northumberland and stayed in a very, very remote cottage for a week. We took with us our young weimaraner, Hobbes. She was in doggy heaven; tremendously long walks over the hills, snoozes by the aga and haring around the large garden flushing out … Continue reading It Blooms and It Blooms
Gardening
Blooming Priory 2
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
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
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
Beds, Bums* and Borders
When I first saw the gardens at the Priory in the summer of 2008, all of the borders and beds were smothered in nettles, brambles, bindweed and the like. It was a daunting and dispiriting sight. And quite a challenge too as, initially, I was only taken on for two days a week. A local … Continue reading Beds, Bums* and Borders
Promises
Yesterday I finally pruned back the dogwoods, down to a few inches above ground level. This ensures new brightly coloured stems next winter. And I tackled the mahonia. The only one in the garden was outgrowing its space somewhat and I was becoming fed up, whilst mowing, of having my right arm painfully scratched. Mahonia … Continue reading Promises
A Particular Auricula
Another dismal and dour and dreary and dank and drizzly day yesterday. Yet more time in the greenhouse. I sowed chilli and sweet pepper seeds, cucumber and ten of my precious Echium pininana. A friend gave me an echium plant a couple of years ago after I saw them growing in Cornwall. Ridiculously tall, with … Continue reading A Particular Auricula
The Anxious Gardener 