It was the Worst of Times.

Karma came and, as the Americans might say, bit me in the butt! It was inevitable, I suppose, that when I only part quoted Charles Dickens' opening lines in A Tale of Two Cities last week, the words which followed would come to haunt me and ensure this past week was the worst of times. …

Enjoying the Small Things.

After the recent days of very heavy rain and strong wind there was a certain trepidation in that first walk around the garden to check that all is well. There is always the fear that there will be damage and even though recent conditions were not really of that threatening a nature it still came …

Snowdrops and the Photobomber.

I went out into the garden for the first time in several days today. The snowdrops were coming along and I wanted to take a few photographs of whatever was in flower. Galanthus 'Martha McLaren' with snouts showing above ground and a promise of a good display in the New Year. The first shot was …

This is certainly Winter…Looking back at the Week in the Garden.

Waterford, southeast Ireland, 5th December 2020 Winter weather has certainly come in with a blast over the last week. Earlier in the week, this change in weather was very welcome, a longed-for improvement from the heavy wet conditions we had for so long. It was great to be able to work in the garden again …

Mid-November Saturday Look-Back.

Saturday, 14th November, Waterford, south-east Ireland. With the exception of a few hours on Friday, this was a non-gardening week. We had days of light rain, others of heavy rain and some torrential downpours. Rainwater ran down through the garden in sheets and the lower end was under water for most of the week. The …

Winter Gardening.

E. A. Bowles saw the possibilities of all seasons and winter was not without its interest: “So, if only the owner of a garden will plant enough plants of the most different types and habits  procurable, there ought to be never a day in which he cannot find some pleasure in watching growth or decay, structure …

Enjoying Death!

It is rather odd, rather a contradiction for the gardener who usually devotes all efforts to promoting growth, nurturing good health and fostering the treasures of the garden that, at this time of year, s/he should rejoice in the death processes of those very same plants.     Autumn is almost a second spring rather …