My summer kicks off with the release of Margaret's cows from the sheds. I was on holiday on the big day, and for the first time in several years, I missed all the pent-up excitement, the expectation, the arging and barging, the galloping, the frenetic leaping into the air and bellows resounding across the valley. … Continue reading The Garden in Flower
Photography
The Old Forge’s Wisteria
I don't often post about The Old Forge (one of two gardens I work in) but I will today. I want to show you something. In the front garden, by the main gate, a Clematis montana sprawls over a flint wall. I have mostly left it alone but by last summer a tsunami of vigorous, … Continue reading The Old Forge’s Wisteria
From Krakow To Prague
Every couple of years, my brother resolutely shakes his head, and says "Don't be absurd" and "No, never again" and "Not after last time." But eventually, after I've wheedled and whined and nipped, he groans, throws up his arms and finally agrees to come travelling with me. On our last trip together we visited Poland … Continue reading From Krakow To Prague
Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
I had long lusted after Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (lusted might be too strong a word). I had seen them in parks and open gardens but as VPM is a large shrub - and I only had a little garden - I bided my time. Then, within months of starting work at The Priory, and with … Continue reading Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
The Stoat And The Pigeon
I've just returned from a few days in Norfolk. We stayed in a relation's holiday home (featured in The Norfolk Coast) and I spent happy time looking out over surrounding fields and marsh, clutching my camera, sipping tea. On my first morning, I was watching hares, when a stoat leapt over the garden wall. I'd … Continue reading The Stoat And The Pigeon
Steady As She Goes
The garden is sailing through spring so quickly. Though I've taken a few photos, I've not had the time to show you all of the Priory's April charms. Here's a quick retro peek at a little of what has grabbed my attention and maybe elicited an "Ahhh." The snake's head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) have been … Continue reading Steady As She Goes
A White Blossom Pause
In April, the Priory blackthorn is a joy. It lights up a corner of the meadow, and whilst I might curse Prunus spinosa for most of the year, I certainly don't in spring. Why do I curse it? Because it stabs me, that's why. The thorns scratch my arms, stab my fingers and if tiny, difficult-to-get-out … Continue reading A White Blossom Pause
The Anxious Gardener 