The caterpillar of the Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) is large and very visible. Which is just as well. Otherwise, I would have trundled over this one with the ride-on mower. It seemed out of place somehow and far too exotic for a Sussex garden. The caterpillars feed on a range of tree leaves including … Continue reading Pale Tussock Moth
Cutting Back
Though it doesn't officially start until tomorrow, autumn has crept up on me these past couple of weeks. Low sun and pale mist greet me when I arrive - soon the mist down here in the valley will be heavier: cold, dense and wet. Dock seed-heads (of which there are far too many) sparkle with … Continue reading Cutting Back
Win A Copy Of ‘The New English Garden’
I was delighted when Jessica at Aurum Publishing offered me a copy of 'The New English Garden' by Tim Richardson to review. But then I thought, "no David! Don't be so selfish - think of your readers." And so, I have decided to forgo my copy in order that you might win one. Just how … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘The New English Garden’
The Tropical Border – 2nd Year
With the first hint of autumn, the garden is looking decidedly tired in places but the tropical border at least is putting on a show. It doesn't come into its own until quite late in the season and during this hot, dry Sussex summer it has needed almost daily watering. I added plenty of well-rotted … Continue reading The Tropical Border – 2nd Year
Islands
On the west pond is an island. It is perhaps ten paces across, with a weeping willow and several alders. For most of the year, I leave it be; ... a refuge for moorhen, mallard and, very rarely, kingfisher. But, back in July, I pulled on my (leaky-cold-trickle-down-the-back-of-left-leg) waders and ventured out with the strimmer. … Continue reading Islands
The Gardens In July
We cut the beech hedging last Monday - the hottest day in the UK for seven years. I normally cut it in early August but by then there will be a houseful of guests so I thought I'd get the job done now. Wielding heavy petrol cutters and long-reach trimmers was slow, exhausting work in … Continue reading The Gardens In July
Garden Visitors
Gardening is a fine job and as an added bonus I see plenty of wildlife (as if I needed an added bonus). Here's a little of what I've seen recently. Some of the visitors to the Priory are aloof. I see buzzards regularly wheeling and crying above the valley but only very rarely close up … Continue reading Garden Visitors
The Anxious Gardener 