April 2011

Everyone has their clandestine vices; mine is reading the Daily Mail. Something, which prior to this heroic disclosure, was very much kept under the radar. The daily digestion thereof, requires limited mental aptitude and its content certainly not to be accepted as gospel. However, the entertainment value is priceless and this week was no different. As expected, the focus of current coverage is the imminent Royal wedding of Prince William [...]

Disaster! Despite continued progress, with the broad beans growing beautifully in the germination trial using loo roll inners, their growth was rudely interrupted. The worrying, tell-tale signs of scattered young plant tops and actual bean seeds missing or partially digested, can only be the work of uncouth, pillaging mice. All my fault; with the warm weather continuing, the greenhouse windows have been open longer, even during the night. The latter [...]

By now, the magnificent Magnolia flowering season has probably ended. Though, depending on your location, for the lucky few, it may still be in full glory.  Admittedly, my knowledge of these wondrous trees is very limited indeed, having to date, simply admired from afar. However, that changed after seeing Carol Klein’s visit to Geldurgan Garden in Cornwall on a recent episode of Gardeners’ World. In particular, regarding the Magnolia Campbelli [...]

Just as quick follow up to related post entitled ‘The ubiquitous Root Trainer versus loo roll germination saga’, good progress reported on the broad beans sown in loo rolls. Germination time, is similar to that of those sown two weeks prior in the Root Trainers. Since the photo was taken, nearly all seeds have germinated in their respective loo roll cells. Pleased to report, that to date, there is no [...]

Unfortunately, when first introduced to this lovely landscape design feature, there was no personal incitement of its famous ‘ha-ha’, or in French ‘ah-ah’, sound of surprise. Furthermore, despite attempts to startle numerous friends and family, no one seems to produce the infamous yelps, which makes one wonder as to its admittedly odd, and seemingly erroneous, name. For those unfamiliar, the term ‘ha-ha’ is allegedly derived from the sound of surprise, [...]