... the alliums in flower. After last year's disappointment (when they were mostly reduced to sludge by heavy rain) they were a fine sight. I originally planted one hundred A. aflatunense, twenty A. rosenbachianum and ten A. globemaster. They have increased dramatically in number and bulbs have mounded up to the surface. I won't need … Continue reading I didn’t show you …
Poppies On The Downs
A smudge of red has been visible from The Old Forge for over a week. As I worked in the garden, it drew my eye. The following morning, I decided to go for a closer look. I associate field or common poppies (Papaver rhoeas - should you care), with field margins but this huge expanse … Continue reading Poppies On The Downs
Wordless Wednesday: A Robin’s Story
The Priory Wisteria …
... hasn't flowered in my five years as gardener. Well, not properly. It does give a stutter of blue throughout the summer but the big spring show just hasn't happened; the flower buds have always been killed by the late, sharp frosts we have down in the valley. It is an impressive plant and big; … Continue reading The Priory Wisteria …
The Fox And The Crow
We feed crows. We don't go out much, so we feed crows. Any scraps that used to go to the chickens now go to the crows. They are generally grateful but sometimes our offerings aren't quite to their liking. Stale bread, for example, is patiently collected, bit by bit, until a good bill full is … Continue reading The Fox And The Crow
A Postcard From Poland
I got bemused looks when I told people I was going to Poland. "On business?" "No, on holiday." "Oh." (Bemused look). See what I mean? But the unease I felt at this reaction evaporated on arrival. I loved Poland. OK, so the weather helped. All warm, spring sun and clear, blue skies lighting up what … Continue reading A Postcard From Poland
A Stampede Of Cows
As well as this gardener walking about in his shirt-sleeves and whistling, there are various other markers that spring has finally arrived: from the scent of wild garlic by the riverbank; to early purple orchids, Camassia quamash flowering on the meadow, the rock border overflowing with forget-me-nots and butterflies emerging - albeit a cabbage white. … Continue reading A Stampede Of Cows
The Anxious Gardener 