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A Melody of White
I have always loved magnolias but, sadly, this Magnolia stellata is the only that I have managed not to kill since I moved here. It is in a well-protected corner of the garden and as other areas mature I hope that I will have a chance to plant a few more varieties. The leaves of…
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Renewal and Renovations
A deluded daffodil. The rest have not even broken ground yet. I have about three acres of land here but I ‘garden’ about half. The initial division of the land into garden and field is interesting (and not of my making). The shape of the garden proper resembles a leg of mutton with the long…
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After the Deluge – and Snow!
It is hard to believe that two of the crab apple trees are still holding on to some of their leaves this late in December. The vibrant colours give the area a festive look and I hope that they last until Christmas. The absence of much dramatic colour at this time of the year has…
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The Last Days of the Supermoon
I am rather pleased with this dramatic effect which happened when I tried combining the last dog walk of the evening with a photograph of the moon. Who knew that a torch could be so effective. When I first read an article by Mick Kelly the founder of ‘Grow it Yourself’ about growing garlic I…
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A Feast or a Famine
The short Indian summer has been perfect for sea swimming and in recent weeks the water has been at its warmest this summer. However, the garden has not done so well and it looks dry and dull before its time. I have little hope of stunning autumn colours as many of the leaves are have…
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A Mixed Bag
I am already dead-heading the buddleja on a regular basis but so far have seen just two butterflies. I am sure that the weather is to blame as calm, warm days are hard to come by. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the situation will change before the food they need disappears for the…
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A Feeding Frenzy
The silage was cut a few days ago and afterwards I had a very enjoyable evening watching the local foxes clearing the field. They obviously know the sound of the machines, as this individual was scavenging within minutes of their arrival. I am hoping to see some of the newly-born foxes at the autumn harvest.…
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Catching Up?
I have finally managed to rejuvenate the corner decimated by the winter rains and storm Kathleen. Following the advice of one of the best gardeners I have ever known, I gave the Cherry ‘Kojo no Mai’ a severe pruning and a good feed. It is now showing some very healthy leaves so I am more…
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Caught in the Act
I have finally admitted defeat in my efforts to have Hosta plants in pots by my back door. These had hardly started to produce leaves this year when the snail attacks started. To my mind this is earlier than usual and if other years are an indication I will soon have no leaves left. I…
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Mud, Glorious Mud
I try very hard not to envy other people, but it is a battle at the moment especially when someone mentions spending a day in the garden in sunshine. For the last few months I have experienced torrential rain, everyday rain, blustery winds sea fog and sea mists. Sunshine has been hard to find and…