Last summer I visited a stunning private garden called Follers Manor. The gardens sit on a shoulder of the South Downs, to the south of Alfriston, East Sussex and above the pretty village of Litlington. Here's an account of my visit. (I didn't use all the photos from that day. Here are a few … Continue reading Follers Manor Opening Times 2015
Gardening
The Tree Bumblebee
Last week at The Old Forge I saw and photographed a new species; new to me and new to the British Isles. The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is a recent arrival to these shores - first recorded in Wiltshire in 2001. Since then it has spread quickly throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. As they … Continue reading The Tree Bumblebee
The Garden in Flower
My summer kicks off with the release of Margaret's cows from the sheds. I was on holiday on the big day, and for the first time in several years, I missed all the pent-up excitement, the expectation, the arging and barging, the galloping, the frenetic leaping into the air and bellows resounding across the valley. … Continue reading The Garden in Flower
The Old Forge’s Wisteria
I don't often post about The Old Forge (one of two gardens I work in) but I will today. I want to show you something. In the front garden, by the main gate, a Clematis montana sprawls over a flint wall. I have mostly left it alone but by last summer a tsunami of vigorous, … Continue reading The Old Forge’s Wisteria
Steady As She Goes
The garden is sailing through spring so quickly. Though I've taken a few photos, I've not had the time to show you all of the Priory's April charms. Here's a quick retro peek at a little of what has grabbed my attention and maybe elicited an "Ahhh." The snake's head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) have been … Continue reading Steady As She Goes
Win A Copy Of ‘The Irish Garden’
Time to give away a book, I think and it's a big, lush one. 'The Irish Garden' by Jane Powers and Jonathan Hession, is published this month by Frances Lincoln. I'll let them tell you all about it: "Visitors to Ireland are often surprised at the 'palm trees' that make so many gardens look as … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The Irish Garden’
And So That Was March
The longer, brighter days of March brought new life to the Priory. A kingfisher is an occasional visitor, as are mandarin ducks; and tree-creepers are a new notch in my bird-watching stick. But all three are ultra shy and impossible to photograph. Yet. With the grass growing, canada geese returned. They don't stay long; just … Continue reading And So That Was March
The Anxious Gardener 