I started growing aconitum after seeing it in a neighbour's border. I was nosing over the garden wall (a favourite past-time) and asked Mary about her tall plant with the striking flowers. She told me its common name, monkshood, and that she grew it as a substitute for delphiniums - which, after unrelenting slug slaughter, … Continue reading Aconitum Anxiety
Gardening
Wordless Wednesday: Hornet
European hornet (Vespa crabro)
The Tropical Border – 4th Year
When I started the tropical border in 2012, it was hardly deserving of the name but a year later it looked more the part. And by 2014 many of the plants were enormous and the bed did have a whiff of tropicality about it. This year it has continued to mature and, on the whole, … Continue reading The Tropical Border – 4th Year
Win A Copy Of ‘Oxford College Gardens’
After a gap of several months, it must be time for a book give-away. ‘Oxford College Gardens’ by Tim Richardson, is published today by Frances Lincoln and retails at £40. Here's what they have to say about it: "The gardens of Oxford’s colleges are surprisingly varied in style, age and size, ranging from the 16th-century … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘Oxford College Gardens’
Astrophytum myriostigma
My brain buzzes with thoughts of my new house: a new kitchen and bathroom to plan; a small (hurrah!) garden to design; installation of a woodburner and log store; shelves and storage solutions; furniture to buy; and tantalisingly, tucked up under the eaves like a monk's cell, a study. My first. We haven't moved yet … Continue reading Astrophytum myriostigma
The Tropical Border And How I Learned To Hate Soaker Hose
Like last year, I gambled on a fine spring by planting up the tropical border early. In mid-April, to a comb-and-tissue-paper fanfare, I dug up the big red banana (Ensete maurelii) from its winter-greenhouse-home and wheeled it into position. And then I did the same for the 'small' one. Each year I add a deep … Continue reading The Tropical Border And How I Learned To Hate Soaker Hose
A Gravel Garden For Free
Behind some outbuildings at the Old Forge is an oil tank and an expanse of gravel. For three long years, I weeded that gravel until, a couple of years ago, I (finally) realised I was being stupid. Instead of weeding, why not fill it with plants? Drought resistant, hardy plants of course but there would … Continue reading A Gravel Garden For Free
The Anxious Gardener 