The current episode of Gardener’s World shouts about wildflowers and biodiversity, if you are interested in either of these then do watch it (link below). Wildflower meadows (native and perennial) They are a key building block at the bottom of the food chain, drawing in insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles.The mixed heights, colours and shapes…
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Summer exhibition
This week I installed my large arch at the Bishops Palace, Wells for the summer exhibition organised by Heritage Courtyard Gallery. I made this work in response to the exhibition title “Re-Formation” and the arches in the ruins of the great hall behind. My piece, called “Differences Aside”, brings together two separate forms which support…
Nectar flow
Have you ever wondered why some plants in your garden seem to be preferred by bees? For example Nepeta, Thymus, Lavandula, Cerinthe, Echium, Sedum and Phacelia. In researching ‘nectar flow’ in flowers I came across several interesting articles which explain some of the complexities relating to this (links below). Here are some snippets to whet…
Costing the Earth – Insect Extinction?
In case you missed it… BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth programme on ‘Insect Extinction?’ – Tuesday 28th May 2019 is worth listening to “https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0005f12 This picture seems to complement the radio programme quite well although it misses out the valuable millions of soil flora and fauna which must not be forgotten. And remember this?…
From the land
Preparing Juncus effussus for making cordage I am just back from a 4 day workshop with Tim Johnson, artist and basket maker. We went out into the landscape to harvest raw materials then prepared and made them into finished (or experimental) products. Juncus effussus is commonly known as ‘soft rush’ and grows in damp meadows…
Garden revisited
Less than a year on and the borders are starting to look more established even in early spring.
The post man has just delivered this
Box tree moth
Working in a garden in Alton (Hampshire) last week I discovered Box tree caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis ), it was merrily spinning silk and munching on the leaves, secure in the fact that most gardeners would not notice its presence for some while yet. If it hadn’t been for two sick looking plants, it would have…
Willow screen
A commission based on my client’s design – twisted willow screens held in position by tensioned horizontal wires, perfect for scrambling Clematis.
Snowdrop Kokedama
Learn how to make moss-covered Snowdrop Balls with me on Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th February at the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival 1-2pm. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to experiment with a broad range of different materials including moss, bracken, colourful dogwood twigs and conifer foliage, to make a hanging snowdrop display…