I was working on the rose tunnel the other day and suddenly became aware of a constant, small companion. It was a Goldcrest (Regulus regulus), Europe's smallest bird (along with the similar Firecrest). I've only ever caught a glimpse of one at the Priory before, as it darted into some conifers - their preferred hunting … Continue reading Goldcrest
A Walk Up The Priory Drive
Fancy a summer's walk? No? Oh well, suit yourself. Yes? Good for you. Here's a series of photos I took last August, on a rare sunny morning. Starting at the car park entrance, I took a shot every ten paces as I walked up to the iron gate at the top of the drive. Beyond … Continue reading A Walk Up The Priory Drive
Lambs And Calves. Again.
I was going to be so strong. Honest, I was. I was going to resist, you see. Resist posting yet more photos of cutesy calves and lovely lambs. After all I've posted lots of photos of both before. But when Margaret (the neighbouring farmer) told me that she was expecting (so to speak), it gnawed … Continue reading Lambs And Calves. Again.
December …
has been either rain-sodden or bitterly cold down at the Priory. I much prefer the latter. The west pond has been frozen but Solo ... ... no longer ventures out onto it. A couple of years ago (when this photo was taken) she ran across the ice (chasing a snowball), broke through and had to … Continue reading December …
Cutting the Flower Meadow
Have you noticed how ubiquitous 'Wild Flower Meadows' have become? Whether it is a small garden bed, raked over and sown with a wild flower seed mix, or an acre or more of unimproved grassland, summer meadows shimmering with native flowers and buzzing with insects are now widespread; de rigueur even. And quite right too. … Continue reading Cutting the Flower Meadow
Autumn Snapshots
Here's a few photos taken over the past week or two. A forbidding portal to another, darker place? Nah, just the Priory Drive descending through the wood ... ... and down into a valley of mist and frost. Overlooking neighbouring fields. The tulip tree (right) and beech hedging on the autumnal turn. The tulip tree … Continue reading Autumn Snapshots
The Tropical Border Revisited
Back in April, I told you about the new tropical or hot border I was developing (see 'Planning for the Tropical Border'). And I promised to let you know how it turned out; unless, of course, it was a humiliating disaster in which case I most certainly would not. Well, actually it hasn't been too … Continue reading The Tropical Border Revisited
The Anxious Gardener 