... is, I imagine, an unpleasant experience and one I try to avoid. Common Toad - Nov 2011 The gardens at The Priory are watery. They contain two large ponds, lots of drainage ditches and are bordered on one side by a mighty, broad river. (Or a little brook - depending on how big you … Continue reading Snipping Amphibians …
Wild Flower Meadow
Shaving the Meadow
Last Thursday was one of the BIG JOB days at the Priory. Like the beech and mixed-hedge cutting days (and the eat as many plums as you possibly can before feeling a little bit very sick day), mowing the meadow usually takes at least a whole day and must be planned in advance. It is … Continue reading Shaving the Meadow
Mini-Me Meadows
South of the river and north of the house, there is a big expanse of grass and flowers and life that I like to walk around at least twice a day. It's a nice place to be. But this isn't the only area of grass that is left to grow at this time of year. … Continue reading Mini-Me Meadows
The Flower Meadow …
... isn't something that the owner of the house asked for. Rather it was something that I foisted upon him. I couldn't not. As soon as I saw that flat expanse of mown grass between the ditch and the river, I thought ahh, I wonder. It seemed perfect for leaving to grow into a meadow. … Continue reading The Flower Meadow …
"I’m So Excited ….
and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it" So now I know what the Pointer Sisters were so excited about. Like me, they'd obviously realised that their Crambe cordifolia was about to flower for the first time. I planted mine out last year, hoping against … Continue reading "I’m So Excited ….
Super Evolving Foxgloves
So. Having burnt my foxgloves (moderate oven, 72 hours), I re-sowed some fresh seed into the same half tray, watered them, popped the tray in a plastic bag and placed on the floor under the bench (away from the heater). And when I looked yesterday there were three young foxgloves still alive! How did that happen? … Continue reading Super Evolving Foxgloves
The Anxious Gardener 