I haven't posted for a while.I've been busy with some non-blogging stuff ... and intently studying a wasp nest on the east lawn.Excavation continues and it's getting bigger. And bigger. As you might suppose, mowing operations have been diverted.I've been distracted too by the sheer number of butterflies on the new verbena beds.There is a … Continue reading Bear With Me
Verbena Bonariensis Beds
In April 2012, I added two new beds at The Priory. I cut the turf from either side of the path-to-nowhere and planted a mix of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' and Verbena bonariensis. And it was OK but not a resounding success. Nonetheless, I stuck with it for another year hoping for a big 'wow' … Continue reading Verbena Bonariensis Beds
Big Butterfly Count
The charity Butterfly Conservation is holding its annual Big Butterfly Count - the biggest butterfly survey in the world. Starting today and running until 10th August, this is an easy and fun opportunity to help butterfly and moth conservation in the UK. If you'd like to take part, simply wait for a sunny spell and … Continue reading Big Butterfly Count
Follers Manor
When Geoff and Anne Shaw bought Follers Manor in 2006 it was a mess. The house was virtually uninhabitable and the grounds an eyesore: a jumble of tussock, weeds and builders' rubble with a large, long-abandoned tennis court as a central feature. Today with the house and gardens rejuvenated it is easier to understand why … Continue reading Follers Manor
Beauty And A Beast
The gardens are generally looking fine. Though frankly if they didn't during June, I might as well give up and get a proper job. But the Kidney Beds are in dire need of a major revamp. They were cobbled together five years ago with a few sitting tenants, some plants from my garden, gifts from … Continue reading Beauty And A Beast
“I Hate You”
I could not believe my ears. Had she really just said that? I'd only known Margaret (the local farmer) for a few hours. How could she possibly have formed such a robust opinion of me in such a short time? It was the summer of 2008. I had applied for the post of gardener at … Continue reading “I Hate You”
Jenny Wren And The White Hart*
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*
The Anxious Gardener 