Water quality in the east pond has recovered. Heavy winter rain has flushed out any remaining sewage, bleach and bath-suds. (A cowboy plumber, working in 2008, patched the soil pipe from the main bathroom into the drains carrying rainwater to the pond, see - 'A Mild Sense Of Panic'). In my first two years at … Continue reading Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
Photography
An End To May
As I walk about the Priory gardens, I am watched. When deep in thought (it happens), I might suddenly look up and be quite startled. These four made me jump - but then it doesn't take much. Margaret's cattle are part of the summer scene at the Priory; mooing loudly (and often very unnecessarily), drifting … Continue reading An End To May
Chelsea Flower Show 2014
I'd never been to the Chelsea Flower Show. The thought of large crowds getting in my way and blocking what I want to see has always put me off. That and being constantly pestered by celebrities. But I didn't hesitate when I won a ticket for Press Day (for last year's RHS blogging competition). I … Continue reading Chelsea Flower Show 2014
One Day In May
Yesterday was a special day. A five-minute walk away at Margaret's farm, the cows were being let out to summer pasture. I've written about this annual event in the Priory calendar before (see 'A Stampede of Cows'). So, here's just a handful of photos of a spectacle I always enjoy. After several months indoors, the … Continue reading One Day In May
Gravetye Manor
When I planted a Clematis 'Gravetye Beauty' at The Priory, I had no idea what or who it was named after. And then in August a blogging friend, Sara, wrote about a visit to Gravetye Manor and the penny dropped (you can read her post - here). Sara's description and photos were captivating and I wished … Continue reading Gravetye Manor
Breathe In
About a week ago, my laptop died and I spent hours trying to resurrect it. I failed. So I spent several more hours. And failed again. Then I panicked. I feared I had lost spreadsheets and word documents and other files I wouldn't even miss until I needed them. And hundreds of photos. In a … Continue reading Breathe In
Canada Geese
Canada geese are a rare and shy visitor to the Priory. But this year a pair have arrived who don't fly off, honking, when I appear. Introduced from North America and considered a pest by many, I certainly wouldn't want large numbers of them arriving - and the droppings they would produce. These two alone … Continue reading Canada Geese
The Anxious Gardener 