Summer went past in a flash…it never really got going, here in the UK. We had a few sunny days, but there was no long, warm stretch when the days slip past like beads on a string. The garden suffered, with dips in temperature, some torrential rain, gusting winds and brooding grey skies. But when… Read More »
grow your own
A few updates….
Apologies if you tried to access my website recently. It crashed for the first time ever, owing to increased traffic. I’m not sure if everyone was trying to read my RHS Chelsea report – or if it was just a glitch. I like to think it was my enormous popularity, but…. Anyway, normal service has… Read More »
Spring joys
The garden is blooming despite – or maybe because of – the torrential rain over the last few months. What bliss it has been to get outside over the Easter weekend, and start enjoying my little courtyard again. The star of the show is undoubtedly my amelanchier larmarkii tree. In full blossom for just a… Read More »
Stirrings…
Already mid-February, and after a slow start, when January seemed interminable, the year suddenly seems to be accelerating, with new hope springing up along with green shoots. I’ve had the house to myself for the last few weeks, and I’d made a list of all things that I wanted to do while I was home… Read More »
Autumn days
The leaves on my little amelanchier tree are showing orange and gold tips. The tubs of cosmos, zinnias and geums are finally running out of steam and the ornamental grasses are gently fading to blonde. I’ve moved the big succulents to the shelter of the greenhouse and brought my citrus trees inside as we prepare… Read More »
Gardeners World Autumn Fair 2023
A visit to a stately home combined with a garden show? Count me in. I was very excited to attend the second Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End in Essex at the beginning of the month. Gardeners’ World Live in association with English Heritage, which is the custodian of this opulent Jacobean mansion, have… Read More »