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
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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
Almost Wordless Wednesday: Bee Swarm
(A swarm of wild honey bees flew overhead today as we cut the beech hedging. I followed them up the drive where they landed on an apple tree to form a large tear-drop around the queen. As swarming bees are not generally aggressive, I got very close with my standard lens: but I wouldn't advise … Continue reading Almost Wordless Wednesday: Bee Swarm
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 Farne Islands
I've been a little too busy for blogging. I sold a house, I bought a house and I've endured all the fun-filled, stress-free hours that involves. I've also been on a short break to Paris; and a longer holiday to Northern England. Last year, I crossed Northumberland on foot (see 'Walking Across England') and it … Continue reading The Farne Islands
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
The Anxious Gardener 