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
Win A Copy Of ‘The Irish Garden’
Time to give away a book, I think and it's a big, lush one. 'The Irish Garden' by Jane Powers and Jonathan Hession, is published this month by Frances Lincoln. I'll let them tell you all about it: "Visitors to Ireland are often surprised at the 'palm trees' that make so many gardens look as … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The Irish Garden’
Lambing
I know that I've posted a lot of lamb photos over the years and quite recently too (see A Happy Ending), b .. b .. but I had never witnessed the birth of a lamb. I've seen dozens of newborn lambs (thanks to having a farming friend), but I hadn't seen the actual flop-out moment. … Continue reading Lambing
The Anxious Gardener 