After a seven month house sale and purchase, we finally moved into our new home in mid January. This is what we bought and how it looked on our first viewing last September. It's a flint and brick, terrace cottage; built - according to the estate agent - in the 18th century. Neglected, victim to … Continue reading New House, New Garden: Introduction
Out To Pasture
It's that time of year again. I've shown the annual turning out of cows to pasture before (See 'A Stampede of Cows') but as it is such a big event in my calendar (party invites having dried up somewhat), I'll share it with you once more. Margaret warns me when the release is imminent and … Continue reading Out To Pasture
The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne
Of all England's long-distance footpaths, I know the South Downs Way best. For twenty years I've lived almost within sight of it; walked many stretches countless times and all of it at least twice. But I had never completed the entire 100 mile trek from Winchester to Eastbourne in one continuous, sweaty effort. Until now. On … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne
Win A Copy of ‘Gardens of the Italian Lakes’
On 5th May, Frances Lincoln publishes 'Gardens of the Italian Lakes' by Steven Desmond, with photographs by Marianne Majerus. Here's your chance to win a copy, smoking hot off the press. But first, a little about the book from Frances Lincoln. The Italian Lakes are a favourite travel destination with gardens around Lake Como and … Continue reading Win A Copy of ‘Gardens of the Italian Lakes’
Dungeness
I wanted to go but would I get it? The woman in Rye got it but her son did not. "He's arty, like me, so I wanted to take him because I knew he'd love it. I knew he'd get it." She grimaced. "But he didn't; he hated it. Called it God-awful forsaken. He said … Continue reading Dungeness
A High Wind In Sussex
It is with trepidation that I drive to the Priory after or even, like this morning, during a gale. Storm Katie caused havoc across Southern England and the thought of a large oak or ash lying on its side gave me an anxious twitch as I drove to work. Carefully dodging branches and a few … Continue reading A High Wind In Sussex
Margaret’s Farm …
... sits on the skyline above the Priory. I visit once a week to stock up on eggs, catch up with local gossip, spread local gossip, help out if needed and wander round the farmyard. After several months, her cows are still over-wintering in the sheds. They'll be turned out in a few weeks when … Continue reading Margaret’s Farm …
The Anxious Gardener 