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 …
Pollarding And The Zest For Life
Flowers are returning to the Priory ... after selfishly leaving me all alone for long dank months. Still, no hard feelings. There are cautious whispers and murmurings as my fair-weather friends slowly heave themselves out of bed. Beneath large oak and ash on the meadow, small pockets of snowdrops have returned. I did wonder whether … Continue reading Pollarding And The Zest For Life
Win A Copy Of ‘Shakespeare’s Gardens’ By Jackie Bennett
As 2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, here's the perfect book to hunker down with (until decent gardening-weather returns). ‘Shakepeare's Gardens’ by Jackie Bennett hasn't been released yet but Anxious Gardener Inc. (East Sussex) has a shiny new copy up for grabs. If you’d like the chance to win it, I’ll tell you … Continue reading Win A Copy Of ‘Shakespeare’s Gardens’ By Jackie Bennett
The Anxious Gardener 