In a quiet crease of the South Downs lies Charleston Manor. It is somewhere I have long wanted to visit and so, when I heard that the gardens were open, I almost fell over with excitement. After a pub lunch in nearby Litlington, we trundled up the yew-lined drive, to the house. The house itself … Continue reading Charleston Manor
Photography
Strangers On My Knapweed
Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) grows widely in the meadow. It flowers from June till September, is very popular with a wide range of insects and is usually abuzz with visitors. There are, of course, the usual bees and flies that feed on its nectar. But the other day there were three visitors that I didn't … Continue reading Strangers On My Knapweed
Of Flowers And Foes
I'm rather fond of lilies. I know not everyone is. But I am. I grow them in some of the borders and ... ... in pots. After two years grace, lily beetles have now arrived at the Priory. Did they smell the perfume from across Margaret's fields and home in from some distant garden? Smacking … Continue reading Of Flowers And Foes
Swallows And The Kestrel
As buzzards will always remind me of the Priory, so kestrels will always make me think of the Old Forge. I see them hunting over the gardens and the surrounding fields almost every time I'm there. Today was no exception. And I saw one closer than usual ... ... as he perched on the house … Continue reading Swallows And The Kestrel
Bird Feeder
I am a self-employed gardener and that suits me just fine. But it does mean that I don't get certain benefits. No work pension. No sick pay. No holiday pay. No pay if I just feel like lying in bed, eating lemon bon-bons. And no work-chums. But hey, you weigh things up and you make … Continue reading Bird Feeder
Slug Feeder
This cool, wet "summer" has been fabulous for our slug and snail chums. And I've learnt that I'm really good at something. (What a relief that is). I'm simply brilliant at feeding slugs. I can grow a constant supply of slug food; my repeated sowings of radishes and salad leaves have been much appreciated … Continue reading Slug Feeder
Antwerp Zoo
On a recent visit to Antwerp, we managed to drain our glasses, rise from the comfort of a café and go to the zoo. I always like to visit a zoo on a city-break. An art gallery or two, a cathedral or castle, a museum, a botanical garden and a zoo. It is what I … Continue reading Antwerp Zoo
The Anxious Gardener 