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
Still Here, Still Gardening
Or at least, I've been gardening as much as I possibly can. It is still very, very wet here in Sussex - I can't do as much as I'd like to do. Or need to do. When it has been dry enough, I've cut back various beds and mulched with my rather lovely, two-year old … Continue reading Still Here, Still Gardening
Win Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal
Gardening? Pah. It's gloomy and it's wet, cold and mushy so who on earth wants to garden. Not me. I'd rather put the kettle on, pop a crumpet (or five) in the toaster and settle down with a good read. And if you fancy doing the same, why I might even send you a free … Continue reading Win Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal
Flood And The Pigeon
This is the wettest winter I have known at the Priory. It has rained for weeks and water pours into the grounds. The ducks at least are happy - I've never seen so many. One day I counted twenty-two: normally there are five or six. The water level is very high. The island on the … Continue reading Flood And The Pigeon
Of Pots And Pans
I don't own the Priory. I don't live there, drifting about in the evenings with a dry martini in one hand and a watering can in the other. And with that pleasant existence denied to me, I've been cautious about having too many pots and containers dotted about the place. As I'm not always there … Continue reading Of Pots And Pans
Sun And Leaf
Sorry for the lack of posts recently but I've been away on various short trips - Gloucestershire and Bristol, Spain and Berlin. They have all been jolly and I've particularly enjoyed the buzz of large towns and cities - and dressing accordingly. So a return to solitary gardening; to shabby clothes, muddy knees and damp … Continue reading Sun And Leaf
The Anxious Gardener 