Newsletter
A quick update - we've got a nice write up in the Telegraph today, courtesy of Joanna Fortnam who dropped by on a tour of Cheshire gardens a couple of weeks ago. The 'wierd' refers partly to our little collection of Arisaemas which I added to
Newsletter
I was wrong, the bluebells were late. They are usually out by the 25th April, but I think last week's cold spell slowed them down. Anyway, late or not, they are well on their way out now and will look fantastic for the next two weeks. We'
Newsletter
It's our National Gargen Scheme open day next Sunday and the garden will look lovely. But I've left it late to confirm the catering arrangements and our usual charity can't do it. So, if you know a group that would like to provide cakes
Newsletter
This is an extract from book I'm writing - ‘A Year at Bluebell Cottage' From ‘April, come she will’ The garden is slowly clothing itself in a haze of virgin green buds. In winter I can see right through the bare stems in borders nearest the cottage
Newsletter
The swallows have arrived, surely earlier than usual, or does it just seem early because it's still so chilly? Peter clocked them first on Thursday, wheeling in a flock of 40 or so overhead. A few peeled off and settled on the telephone wires and the rest flew
Newsletter
At last we have a predictable mild spell ahead and it's time for a first assessment of the winter's damage. I've been round scratching at bark and tugging at dead-looking stems. I unwrapped the exotic garden yesterday, with some trepidation, to look for signs
Newsletter
During most winters, I keep a rough count of the frosty nights. But this year it's more a case of counting the frost free nights. We had one this week, and I can't remember when we had one before that, it was so long ago. Last
Newsletter
I've not blogged for weeks, I've been too cold to sit still for long enough. And I've lacked inspiration - the novelty of frost-laced photos wore off some time ago. Blissfully, the sun came out this afternoon, the ground defrosted enough to allow for
Newsletter
January's frozen spell is broken and my spring change urge is at full pelt. I always allow months and more for new ideas for the garden to brew before committing to big changes, but once an idea has become so clear in my mind's eye that
Newsletter
One of my favourite snow pictures last week was of the orange berries of Sorbus 'Joseph Rock' with pyramids of snow piled on top. But it won't last long. The tree has been ignored until now, but after exhausting all the red holly berries and the
Newsletter
The snow has played havoc with my plans for January. I was going to prune the apple trees, finish planting the shrubs at Lion Salt Works, lift the turf under the orchard trees ready for the wildflower meadow seeds, create new nursery plant bays etc. etc. All very proper, western
Newsletter
Some joker keeps leaving me blog messages wanting a riddle. He/she/it's a spammer I'm sure, but here's one anyway. As Rolf would say 'Do you know what it is yet?'