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Wordless Wednesday

/ David Marsden / 16 Comments

  Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), The Old Forge, yesterday.

Win a Copy Of ‘The Splendour Of The Tree’

/ David Marsden / 40 Comments

Here is the second of this month's book giveaways. And what a smashing book it is too.  I would have nabbed a copy for review if I had the time to write one and my gardening book-shelves weren't already overspilling.  'The Splendour of the Tree'  was published two days ago by Frances Lincoln at £25.00.  … Continue reading Win a Copy Of ‘The Splendour Of The Tree’

The Tropical Border – 3rd Year

/ David Marsden / 40 Comments

Mid September already? It seems just a few short weeks since I lugged a large Musa basjoo out of a greenhouse; since I stripped the straw protection off those I'd left outside. Only a little while since I wheeled out Colocasia esculenta and hefty red bananas (Ensete maurelii). Hardly any time at all since I … Continue reading The Tropical Border – 3rd Year

And Quiet Flows The Spree

/ David Marsden / 38 Comments

I didn't intend to impose my holiday snaps on you.  Indeed for the first day or two of my recent cycling trip to Germany, I didn't even take a photo. But when a bird of prey glided past with a rat the size of a small child in its talons, my shutter finger itched.  And … Continue reading And Quiet Flows The Spree

Bear With Me

/ David Marsden / 27 Comments

I haven't posted for a while.I've been busy with some non-blogging stuff ... and intently studying a wasp nest on the east lawn.Excavation continues and it's getting bigger.  And bigger.  As you might suppose, mowing operations have been diverted.I've been distracted too by the sheer number of butterflies on the new verbena beds.There is a … Continue reading Bear With Me

Verbena Bonariensis Beds

/ David Marsden / 56 Comments

In April 2012, I added two new beds at The Priory. I cut the turf from either side of the path-to-nowhere and planted a mix of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' and Verbena bonariensis. And it was OK but not a resounding success. Nonetheless, I stuck with it for another year hoping for a big 'wow' … Continue reading Verbena Bonariensis Beds

Big Butterfly Count

/ David Marsden / 18 Comments

The charity Butterfly Conservation is holding its annual Big Butterfly Count - the biggest butterfly survey in the world. Starting today and running until 10th August, this is an easy and fun opportunity to help butterfly and moth conservation in the UK. If you'd like to take part, simply wait for a sunny spell and … Continue reading Big Butterfly Count