My new potting corner

My new potting corner

A plant conspiracy in the un-loved corner.. I am working on the ghastly corner of the courtyard that has been bothering me for some time. Whatever I have planted there has never seemed quite right. I even tried adding a lovely feature mirror, but the plants decided to...
Heavens! Isn’t it a good year for roses?

Heavens! Isn’t it a good year for roses?

Looking up into ‘William Morris’ blooms on my front wall. I know that I am not very good at caring for my roses. This year I have tried to turn over a new leaf. We do have blackspot here and, even though I treat the roses systemically, they do still suffer...
Visiting Thyme in Southrop

Visiting Thyme in Southrop

Just one of the beautiful botanicals at the exhibition. I think this lovely estate has been one of the best kept local secrets – I visited last month for the first time, and I have lived within five miles for over 40 years! The Thyme estate has been developed over...
A day of foraging for treasures

A day of foraging for treasures

Crazy goings on at Gardenalia! Last week, my esteemed Editor Jenny and I spent two days hunting for Treasures, both for you lovely lot and for my home here at Pinks Barn in the Cotswolds. Jenny and I have such similar taste and love playing house when there is time to...
Outside at last!

Outside at last!

There is simply no doubt that post-Covid I am rather lacking puff but gradually catching up now with the encouragement of better weather. I had a rather grotty reaction to my second vaccination or caught a stinking cold (I am not sure which), and it lasted three...
A visit for my birthday

A visit for my birthday

The beautiful Dutch Yard, part of Sarah Raven’s inspirational garden After having to curtail the treats for my 70th birthday last year, I was determined to do something special this time around. Bill came up with the perfect treat – we went away for one night...