Can you believe it's been over six years since Jim and I cycled along the Rhine from Mainz to Cologne? Why, we were practically children. Just one of countless castles on the Rhine, summer 2016 On that occasion it was the sheer number and variety of castles that stick in my mind. And on the … Continue reading The Romantic Road: Cycling Across Bavaria
Photography
Win ‘American Gardens’ By Monty Don and Derry Moore
Is it time for a book giveaway? I think so. 'American Gardens' by Monty Don and Derry Moore is published today, with an RRP of £35.00. Here's your chance to win a copy courtesy of your quite friendly, neighbourhood Anxious Gardener. If you didn't watch the TV series, the press release explains all you need … Continue reading Win ‘American Gardens’ By Monty Don and Derry Moore
A Postcard from The Lake District
Once Upon a Time - in early May of last year - I spent a week in The Lake District with Jim and his parents. I started writing a post about our trip several months ago but grew increasingly distracted as Covid settled amongst us and my world shifted. Like you, I'm still pretty distracted … Continue reading A Postcard from The Lake District
The Green Woodpecker And The Magpie
I'm very fortunate that my study window looks out over the canal. It's a grand view if an awfully distracting one. My eyes lift from my laptop all too easily as people walk, cycle, jog or paddle past my window; or a mute swan glides about on still water. Moorhens aren't so good at gliding. … Continue reading The Green Woodpecker And The Magpie
Win A Copy Of ‘The Cotswold Wildlife Park, A Celebration Of The Gardens’
Yesterday, at their invitation, I drove to The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford in Oxfordshire. I hadn't been before and only a complete cupcake would say no to an invite for a free lunch, a guided tour by head gardener, Tim Miles, and free access to the Park, its marvellous animals and lovely grounds. Lunch … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The Cotswold Wildlife Park, A Celebration Of The Gardens’
A Postcard From Marseille
We had to get away. There was only so long we could bear living in our squalid new house. However excited we were at finally moving to Gloucestershire and living on the canal, our new home was undeniably squalid. Moving-in day last August was all sorts of emotional. We unlocked the front door to our … Continue reading A Postcard From Marseille
An Otter In Stroud
Of all England's mammals, there is one - more than any other - that I have always wanted to see in the wild. Only one animal which, since I saw that film and read that book as a boy, I'm aware of, subconsciously at least, as I walk alongside streams and rivers and shoreline. When … Continue reading An Otter In Stroud
The Anxious Gardener 