• 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…

    December 2, 2024
  • A Sting In The Tail

    I am too busy looking after my trees, shrubs and vegetables to plant a lot of annual or perennial flowers. However, who needs them when you have tiny wildflowers thriving in the cracks of the dry stone wall. This is one of the moon jellyfish occupying my swimming place at the moment. I believe that…

    November 13, 2024
  • The Storm Season Is Here

    I was not at home when Storm Ashley hit this area, so was rather concerned about the garden given the damage caused by the storm last week. Luckily, there were no major issues and I was able to get to the house without using a chainsaw! The state of the garden is mixed. Many of…

    October 23, 2024
  • Truly Gorgeous

    My Crabapple ‘Gorgeous’ has been worth its weight in gold. Not only have I had a year’s supply of jelly, but I have also made some cordial. I think that this year is my best effort as I am gradually refining my skills. The cordial is a lovely rose colour and the taste is fantastic…

    October 7, 2024
  • Food for the Winter

    The rosehips have been providing dramatic colour against rare blue skies. The driveway has one long bed of roses and it is the one area of the garden where I seem to have provided enough fruit both for myself and for the birds. I have made enough syrup to last me through the winter, although…

    September 24, 2024
  • 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…

    September 9, 2024
  • Proof – If Proof Were Needed

    I am becoming obsessed with the snails’ behaviour on my Hosta and started a small experiment earlier this summer. This is the result – the plant on the right lives in a pot outside the house where the snails have to traverse a gravel driveway and cement to get to their target. Child’s play apparently.…

    August 24, 2024
  • Horsefly Heaven, Human Hell

    The moment I arrived at my new home over thirteen years ago, I was able to identify one of the few perfect spots for a small garden. It is triangular in shape and sits in a hollow at the bottom of the drive, so it was possible to make it almost totally windproof in a…

    August 11, 2024
  • 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…

    July 21, 2024
  • Eighty Two and Counting

    Since my first garden, I was determined never to knowingly introduce any wildflowers, but to encourage and record what emerged. To date in this garden I have recorded over eighty varieties. I am confident that there are even more, as I have not even started on the field below the house. I am fascinated by…

    July 8, 2024
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