David Marsden

LATEST ARTICLES ( 161 )

• Follers Manor Opening Times 2015

  

  Last summer I visited a stunning private garden called Follers Manor.  The gardens sit on a shoulder of the South Downs, to the south of Alfriston, East Sussex... Read more

  Posted on 21 June 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• The Tree Bumblebee

  

  Last week at The Old Forge I saw and photographed a new species; new to me and new to the British Isles.The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is a recent... Read more

  Posted on 17 June 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• The Garden in Flower

  

  My summer kicks off with the release of Margaret’s cows from the sheds.  I was on holiday on the big day, and for the first time in several years, I missed all... Read more

  Posted on 12 June 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• The Old Forge’s Wisteria

  

  I don’t often post about The Old Forge (one of two gardens I work in) but I will today.  I want to show you something.In the front garden, by the main gate, a... Read more

  Posted on 05 June 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• From Krakow To Prague

  

  Every couple of years, my brother resolutely shakes his head, and says things like “don’t be absurd” and “no, never again” and “not after last time. Read more

  Posted on 27 May 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Viburnum Plicatum ‘Mariesii’

  

  I had long lusted after Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’ (lusted might be too strong a word). I had seen them in parks and open gardens but as VPM is a large shrub ... Read more

  Posted on 21 May 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• The Stoat And The Pigeon

  

  I’ve just returned from a few days in Norfolk.  We stayed in a relation’s holiday home (featured in The Norfolk Coast) and I spent happy time looking out over... Read more

  Posted on 08 May 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Steady As She Goes

  

  The garden is sailing through spring so quickly.  Though I’ve taken a few photos, I’ve not had the time to show you all of the Priory’s April charms. Read more

  Posted on 03 May 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• A White Blossom Pause

  

  In April, the Priory blackthorn is a joy.It lights up a corner of the meadow,and whilst I might curse Prunus spinosa for most of the year, I certainly don’t in... Read more

  Posted on 22 April 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Win A Copy Of ‘The Irish Garden’

  

  Time to give away a book, I think and it’s a big, lush one.‘The Irish Garden’ by Jane Powers and Jonathan Hession, is published this month by Frances Lincoln. Read more

  Posted on 17 April 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Lambing

  

  I know that I’ve posted a lot of lamb photos over the years and quite recently too (see A Happy Ending), b .. b .. b .. but I had never witnessed the birth of... Read more

  Posted on 09 April 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• And So That Was March

  

  The longer, brighter days of March brought new life to the Priory.  A kingfisher is an occasional visitor, as are mandarin ducks; and tree-creepers are a new... Read more

  Posted on 04 April 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer

  

  Who wouldn’t want to see more butterflies in their garden?  (I’ll ignore the gentleman at the back, raising his hand). Painted Lady Clouded Yellow Meadow Brown... Read more

  Posted on 26 March 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Painting Paradise: The Art Of The Garden

  

  I wasn’t expecting an invitation to tea with the Queen.And I didn’t get one.  But I did receive an invite to a ‘Bloggers’ Breakfast’ followed by a preview of... Read more

  Posted on 21 March 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Win Ian Hodgson’s ‘Great Garden Design’

  

  Here’s a March book giveaway.And it’s a good one. Great Garden Design by Ian Hodgson is published this month by Frances Lincoln. Read more

  Posted on 13 March 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• The Duck Nest Box

  

  I’m happy that wild mallard call the Priory home.But I could do without the acute guilt trip they laid on me last year – even if it was well deserved. Read more

  Posted on 08 March 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• March Of Snowdrops

  

  A few years ago, a friend gave me a barely liftable, large trug of snowdrops.  I was very, very grateful and happily began adding them to the Priory’s meagre... Read more

  Posted on 04 March 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• Win A Copy Of ‘Making A Wildflower Meadow’

  

  I try to keep only a sensible number of gardening books – really I do.  Heck, I’ve even given some away to charity … once or twice.  But occasionally I’m offere... Read more

  Posted on 20 February 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• A Spot Of Rain

  

  January tends to be wet in Sussex but this year was seriously, I’m-not-kidding-you wet.  Lying at the bottom of a valley, the garden is a convenient sump for al... Read more

  Posted on 09 February 2015 GARDENING, HOME

• A Happy Ending

  

  The day after my adventure with Cyril and The Cast Sheep, I walked up to the farm to see the new arrival. Margaret was delighted (and relieved) that the... Read more

  Posted on 30 January 2015 GARDENING, HOME