Now that we've finally had a couple of frosts at the Priory, I feel that I have permission to start tidying away. So I've been carting stuff off to the compost bins or bonfire site. In the topical border, the freezing temperatures have collapsed the tender plants into a soggy, exhausted (and, if you ask … Continue reading A Tidy Up
Grey Heron
Occasionally, grey herons (Ardea cinerea) visit the Priory - but they are shy and hoist themselves into the air when I amble into view. I haven't been able to photograph them. But a couple of weeks ago, I spotted a juvenile standing on top of the old duck box on the east pond's small island. … Continue reading Grey Heron
A Quick Word
I just wanted to say ... ... very much indeed to every one who voted for my post in the RHS Gardening Blogs Competition 2013 and for all the very kind messages I have received since winning. (I've responded to some on Twitter and Facebook but not all - I have been gardening today after all). … Continue reading A Quick Word
Wordless Wednesday … With Some Words
Aconitum napellus has bloomed in the nick of time: the first Priory frost can only be a few days away. oooOOOooo I'm flying off to Spain for a few days paddling, frolicking and general misbehaviour. But before I go, I'll just mention that the Royal Horticultural Society is holding a new blogging competition. Four judges … Continue reading Wordless Wednesday … With Some Words
Dear Friend And Gardener – A Book Review
When I was last asked to review a book, I chose instead to offer it up as a competition prize. Not so with the new illustrated edition of 'Dear Friend and Gardener.' Here was a book I wanted all for myself. Mine, I tell you; it's all mine. First published in 1998, 'Dear Friend and … Continue reading Dear Friend And Gardener – A Book Review
Flowering Lithops
It was only as I was damping down one of the greenhouses that I noticed the flowers. For most of the year, my lithops sit in their pots like well behaved little pebble plants or living stones (their other names). But in autumn, having spent several months doing very little, their time in the limelight … Continue reading Flowering Lithops
From Up On High
Scaffolding has gone up at the Priory. Though I don't have a head for heights, I couldn't wait to get up there and see the gardens from a new perspective. At the first (gutter height) level I could look down on to the tropical border. And, after a deep breath, I white-knuckle-climbed the second ladder … Continue reading From Up On High
The Anxious Gardener 