Author Archives: Ruth Paris

birthday present – new water collection tank!

Hmm, so much for daily checking on the Cox’s Orange Pippins (planted only last year) to ensure harvest before they drop … I found this beauty on the ground. I suspect the local magpie. But it was unmarked and completely … Continue reading →

I had forgotten that I planted a tiny little melon seedling in the glasshouse… then mistook the rampant foliage for the adjacent cucumber… So it came as a great surprise to find a cluster of melons hidden amid the leaves. … Continue reading →

Weeding in the brassica cage, I came upon this fine fellow under a large cabbage leaf. So pleased to see that at least one of the disappeared tadpoles had made it to frogdom! Such a miraculous transformation.

Ever since falling in love with one in the entrance to the large glasshouse at RHS Wisley, I wanted to grow a brugmansia. When I finally achieved my dream of having a “proper” glasshouse myself, a seller on ebay provided … Continue reading →

Starting at the top by the house on a beautiful summer’s morning…

Such a joy – all planted last year and now first flowering, despite the aphid invasion….. And saving the best till last – over 50 buds in its first year!

Whew, that was a lot of compost – all from the wonderful Urban Wyrm.

The ancient pear tree nearest to the house has been bedecked with blossom this year – in the breeze it looked like a snowstorm!

Not enough growing space for all the seedlings being potted on in the glasshouse + scruffy looking grass in what is supposed to be a “meadow” = opportunity for more raised beds! Now just need to import more loads of … Continue reading →

The glasshouse was looking somewhat unkempt. A sunny day brought a surge of energy. Everything taken outside; inside cleared of cobwebs, dead leaves and general debris. Windows and shelving cleaned and then everything returned to its place. So glad I … Continue reading →

I am greedy. For plants and for their produce. Hence the purchase of two damson trees (Merryweather and Farleigh, both AGM varieties) when there is really no more space for planting. Necessity provided the answer: grow them as cordons against … Continue reading →

Unpromising tufts above ground revealed pale treasures below. Tender & True parsnips grown from direct sown seeds last spring and rather forgotten about since. and a few last carrots Lila Lu from Vital Seeds

Along with species-rich turf, germinating grass seed and several new trees, the installation of hornbeam hedging has transformed the poor battered ground in the lower garden into a green and pleasant land. And the pond is now home to some … Continue reading →