Canada geese are a rare and shy visitor to the Priory. But this year a pair have arrived who don't fly off, honking, when I appear. Introduced from North America and considered a pest by many, I certainly wouldn't want large numbers of them arriving - and the droppings they would produce. These two alone … Continue reading Canada Geese
Walking Across England
I've recently returned from a fifteen-day walk across Northern England. I started at Ulverston, Cumbria and finished at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland. My route comprised the Cumbria Way, the central (and best) bit of the Hadrian's Wall Path and the St Oswald's Way. Here's a photo-blog of what I saw. oooOOOooo As you may know, one of … Continue reading Walking Across England
Butterfly Conservation Membership Offer
When I took the job as gardener at the Priory one of my primary aims was to help sustain the rich wildlife in the gardens and, if possible, to attract even more. And like most people, I was particularly keen to attract as many butterflies as possible. Adding certain plants for butterflies to feed on, … Continue reading Butterfly Conservation Membership Offer
A Mild Sense Of Panic
After almost three weeks away from the Priory, the difference on my return is marked and, for late March, the garden far more advanced than usual. (I shall do a post soon about my walk across England. I have rather a lot of photos to sort through). I feel a little overwhelmed with how much … Continue reading A Mild Sense Of Panic
If It’s March …
... then it must be time for a walk; a good long walk. Early each year I hang up my secateurs, lock the greenhouse, pack a rucksack and go walking. And this year I'm going on my longest walk ever. Like last year, I'm walking right across England - only this time my route is … Continue reading If It’s March …
A February Springtime
There has been little sign of life at the Priory recently; other than me that is (a surly and dishevelled figure, crouched beneath a dripping conifer and shaking a fist at the rain-laden clouds). And then the most extraordinary thing happened. The 'February Gold' daffs I planted in 2008 flowered. IN FEBRUARY! In the past … Continue reading A February Springtime
Berlin Zoo
You may remember that last April, my brother and I spent some time in Poland before jumping on a train at Gdańsk and trundling westward to my favourite city - Berlin. (See 'A Postcard From Poland'). I know Berlin fairly well and visit regularly but I hadn't been to the Berliner Zoologische Garten for several … Continue reading Berlin Zoo
The Anxious Gardener 