The most noticeable scent in the Priory gardens at the moment is not the roses; neither is it lilies; nor the strong wafts from summer flowering honeysuckle. No - the pervasive nose-tease is this: Measdowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria).* Because I'm leaving more and more of the garden margins unstrimmed, the number of wild flowers is increasing … Continue reading Wild Places, Wild Flowers – Summer
Summer Flowers
Strangers On My Knapweed
Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) grows widely in the meadow. It flowers from June till September, is very popular with a wide range of insects and is usually abuzz with visitors. There are, of course, the usual bees and flies that feed on its nectar. But the other day there were three visitors that I didn't … Continue reading Strangers On My Knapweed
Of Flowers And Foes
I'm rather fond of lilies. I know not everyone is. But I am. I grow them in some of the borders and ... ... in pots. After two years grace, lily beetles have now arrived at the Priory. Did they smell the perfume from across Margaret's fields and home in from some distant garden? Smacking … Continue reading Of Flowers And Foes
Slug Feeder
This cool, wet "summer" has been fabulous for our slug and snail chums. And I've learnt that I'm really good at something. (What a relief that is). I'm simply brilliant at feeding slugs. I can grow a constant supply of slug food; my repeated sowings of radishes and salad leaves have been much appreciated … Continue reading Slug Feeder
The Anxious Gardener 