Garden
Misty Morning
It is the time of year for these bewitching views. The day began with a blanket of thick fog and damp air. It created quietness and glistening dew drops from every stem. Fungus flourishes.
Raking leaves
I’ve been raking up fallen leaves this weekend. It’s a task I like doing – partly because of the leaves themselves, but also I know what good compost they make. Often in collecting them up I find a worm family already there, enjoying the damp decomposition. It was a job given to us as […]
Pink and burnt brown sugar
Without doubt this is the most vibrantly coloured and autumnal show in the garden at the moment. Things suddenly seem to be taking on the hues of the season. Autumn has its smells too, and this tree excels in a tempting and unusual way. It is a Katsura tree – an Asian hardwood – […]
Bombylius Major (Bee Fly)
I was at supper with a friend the other evening and was fascinated by this insect they found. Though they are common in Britain, I’ve never seen one before – or if I have I didn’t recognise it as a Bee Fly. They are so called because of their furry appearance, and presumably for […]
Writ in stone
All around me just now there’s a frenzy of clanging and growling machinery cutting meadows, turning hay, baling and bringing in. While the sun shines. It is a good feeling to reap and stock the rewards of sowing and nurturing crops – I know from my own vegetable plot. Recently I came across this […]
Oatmill Cottage – open garden
The National Gardens Scheme – Yorkshire Gardens 2014 On Friday evening I drove out over the moors to Oatmill Cottage in Lealholm – the roads are narrow, steep in places, and winding so it is an unhurried and steady journey. I was surprised by how much colour there was in the heather for this […]
Plants and Sunshine
On Sunday it was the Scampston Hall Spring Plant Fair and I set off with my pots and stone sculpture. The annual Plant Fair is held adjacent to Scampston Walled Garden and exhibitors are specialist nurserymen selling quality plants and also there are other garden related stands. I had the most wonderful day. For […]
Pots of Style
It seemed a bit of an extravagance ordering this magazine – but I’m glad I did! Garden’s Illustrated have produced this special edition – Pots of Style – perfect planting ideas for beautiful containers – and I’m in some sort of heaven leafing through it. The photography is stunning and there are tips aplenty […]
Home Grown Easter Feast
I’ve just been and cut chives and parsley from my garden to have sprinkled in my goose egg omelette for my evening meal this Easter Day. Such a rich, beautiful smell is coming from these herbs, its making my mouth water and I can’t wait to taste their pure, full flavour. This robust wholesomeness, […]
Spring Planter
I love carving images onto my little stone planters, and when they are finished I just want to keep them all, and plant them up – I cannot help bringing home little bunches of spring growth and flowers at the moment, and the pots look lovely filled with them. This pot has a hare […]