David Marsden

LATEST ARTICLES ( 161 )

• Of Pots And Pans

  

  I don’t own the Priory.  I don’t live there, don’t throw wild parties and don’t, sadly, float about in a kimono, mug of gin in one hand and a watering can in th... Read more

  Posted on 23 December 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Sun And Leaf

  

  Sorry for the lack of posts recently but I’ve been away on various short trips – Gloucestershire and Bristol, Spain and Berlin. Read more

  Posted on 30 November 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• A Tidy Up

  

  Now that we’ve finally had a couple of frosts at the Priory,The Priory tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)I feel that I have permission to start tidying away. Read more

  Posted on 13 November 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Grey Heron

  

  Occasionally, grey herons (Ardea cinerea) visit the Priory – but they are shy and hoist themselves into the air when I amble into view. I haven’t been able to... Read more

  Posted on 30 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• A Quick Word

  

  Just to say …… very much indeed to every one who voted for my post in the RHS Gardening Blogs Competition 2013 and for all the very kind messages I have receive... Read more

  Posted on 22 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Wordless Wednesday … With Some Words

  

  I was given this marvellous, if rather malevolent looking, monkshood and so I’m unsure which variety it is – Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ maybe? Read more

  Posted on 16 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Dear Friend And Gardener – A Book Review

  

  When I was last asked to review a book, I chose instead to offer it up as a competition prize.  Not so with the new illustrated edition of ‘Dear Friend and... Read more

  Posted on 13 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Flowering Lithops

  

  It was only as I was damping down one of the greenhousesthat I noticed the flowers.For most of the year, my lithops sit in their pots like little pebble plants... Read more

  Posted on 08 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• From Up On High

  

  Scaffolding has gone up at the Priory.Though I don’t have a head for heights, I couldn’t wait to get up there and see the gardens from a new perspective. Read more

  Posted on 03 October 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Pale Tussock Moth

  

  The caterpillar of the Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) is large and very visible.Which is just as well. Otherwise, I would have trundled over this one... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Cutting Back

  

  Though it doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, autumn has crept up on me these past couple of weeks.Low sun and pale mist greet me when I arrive – soon the... Read more

  Posted on 21 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Win A Copy Of ‘The New English Garden’

  

  I was delighted when Jessica at Aurum Publishing offered me a copy of ‘The New English Garden’ by Tim Richardson to review. But then I thought, “no David! ... Read more

  Posted on 09 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• The Tropical Border – 2nd Year

  

  With the first hint of autumn, the garden is looking decidedly tired in placesbut the tropical border at least is putting on a show. It doesn’t come into its... Read more

  Posted on 31 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Islands

  

  On the west pond is an island. It is perhaps ten paces across, with a weeping willow and several alders. For most of the year, I leave it be;… a refuge for... Read more

  Posted on 23 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• The Gardens In July

  

  We cut the beech hedging last Monday – the hottest day in the UK for seven years.Nick setting to (whilst I burnish my nails and take photos)I normally cut it... Read more

  Posted on 28 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Garden Visitors

  

  Gardening is a fine jobCollared doveand as an added bonus I see plenty of wildlife (as if I needed an added bonus). Here’s a little of what I’ve seen... Read more

  Posted on 22 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• I Didn’t Show You …

  

  … the alliums in flower.The long borders in JuneAfter last year’s disappointment (when they were mostly reduced to sludge by heavy rain) they were a fine sight.... Read more

  Posted on 16 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Poppies On The Downs

  

  A smudge of red has been visible from The Old Forge for over a week. As I worked,it drew my eye; I decided to go for a closer look.I associate field or common... Read more

  Posted on 10 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Wordless Wednesday: A Robin’s Story

  

  Read more

  Posted on 03 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• The Priory Wisteria …

  

  … hasn’t flowered in my five years as gardener. Well, not properly. It does give a stutter of blue throughout the summer but the big spring show just hasn’t... Read more

  Posted on 28 June 2013 GARDENING, HOME