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
Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
I had long lusted after Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (lusted might be too strong a word). I had seen them in parks and open gardens but as VPM is a large shrub - and I only had a little garden - I bided my time. Then, within months of starting work at The Priory, and with … Continue reading Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
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
March Of Snowdrops
A few years ago, a friend gave me a barely liftable, large trug of snowdrops. I was very, very grateful and happily began adding them to the Priory's meagre showing. Eventually running out of time, I temporarily stuffed the last few into a small bed beneath a standard Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price'. And there they … Continue reading March Of Snowdrops
An End To May
As I walk about the Priory gardens, I am watched. When deep in thought (it happens), I might suddenly look up and be quite startled. These four made me jump - but then it doesn't take much. Margaret's cattle are part of the summer scene at the Priory; mooing loudly (and often very unnecessarily), drifting … Continue reading An End To May
The Anxious Gardener 