I'm taking a short break from 'The Anxious Gardener' but meanwhile, and after months of winter drear, it seems a shame not to share some images from the last days of March. Daffodils aren't around for long but The Priory's brief show is hearty. I'm so used to their regular, faithful appearance that I don't … Continue reading An End To March
Spring Flowers
Wildflowers On The South Downs
I'm not terribly fond of petrol mowers at the best of times but when they break-down repeatedly, I think them insufferable. If only they would listen to reason and I could patiently explain how simple their duties really are. At least a faulty mower induced forced-stop to mowing at The Old Forge gave me a … Continue reading Wildflowers On The South Downs
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
The Garden in Flower
My summer kicks off with the release of Margaret's cows from the sheds. I was on holiday on the big day, and for the first time in several years, I missed all the pent-up excitement, the expectation, the arging and barging, the galloping, the frenetic leaping into the air and bellows resounding across the valley. … Continue reading The Garden in Flower
Steady As She Goes
The garden is sailing through spring so quickly. Though I've taken a few photos, I've not had the time to show you all of the Priory's April charms. Here's a quick retro peek at a little of what has grabbed my attention and maybe elicited an "Ahhh." The snake's head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) have been … Continue reading Steady As She Goes
A White Blossom Pause
In April, the Priory blackthorn is a joy. It lights up a corner of the meadow, and whilst I might curse Prunus spinosa for most of the year, I certainly don't in spring. Why do I curse it? Because it stabs me, that's why. The thorns scratch my arms, stab my fingers and if tiny, difficult-to-get-out … Continue reading A White Blossom Pause
And So That Was March
The longer, brighter days of March brought new life to the Priory. A kingfisher is an occasional visitor, as are mandarin ducks; and tree-creepers are a new notch in my bird-watching stick. But all three are ultra shy and impossible to photograph. Yet. With the grass growing, canada geese returned. They don't stay long; just … Continue reading And So That Was March
The Anxious Gardener 