Have you ever gone into a garden centre and asked for advice on 'rabbit proof plants?' Well, don't bother because here's the answer: there is no such thing. Behind the counter at the garden centre where I worked, we kept a folder. In the folder were information sheets: plants for shade, plants for sun, … Continue reading A Security Breach
Wildlife
Wendy Wasp
On the west lawn at the Priory is a laburnum tree (L. anagyroides). I've never been a big fan of laburnum: a small tree usually growing in suburban front gardens which bursts into yellow bloom in Spring - and then fades away again for the rest of the year. But our laburnum grows out of … Continue reading Wendy Wasp
Grass Snake
I was strimming the banks of the east pond the other day and disturbed a young grass snake (Natrix natrix). Angrily, he reared up at me like a king cobra; would have been pretty damn scary too - if he'd been any bigger than six inches long. Fearless little chap. A little later I came … Continue reading Grass Snake
New Beds 1, 2 and 3
Recently, I've planted up three new beds at the Priory. None of them are particularly big and one is really only an extension of a larger border. The only truly new one, and the last one to be planted up, is called the um, er, the er (thinks furiously) Kitchen Bed (it lies directly outside the … Continue reading New Beds 1, 2 and 3
Priory Picture Post # 11
When not working at the Priory, my commute to work is a drive through the South Downs National Park. It has to be one of the loveliest of drives, through woods and fields; past flint built farmhouses and cottages and a Saxon church in a nothing-happening village; under a great arc of sky with tantalising … Continue reading Priory Picture Post # 11
Help Needed. Apply Within.
A couple of years ago, I visited the garden at Clinton Lodge. Clinton Lodge It is a beautiful garden and if you are able, I would recommend that you pay it a visit, Clinton Lodge especially as there is also a brilliant pub, The Griffin, in the same village. (I ought to be on commission). … Continue reading Help Needed. Apply Within.
The Priory Beast
During the spring and summer of 2009, I was kept company at the Priory by a family of mallard ducks. I work alone (had I mentioned that?) so any company is very welcome. Whilst the drake quickly disappeared, the duck would lead her brood of 14 (!) ducklings across the lawns, from one pond to … Continue reading The Priory Beast
The Anxious Gardener 