It is a bit of a cheat but I thought I would share Charles’ July newsletter. I found the opening paragraph particularly interesting: “The rate of plant growth in a July day equates to two days in August, 4 days in September and a week in October”. My squash plants have been growing at an…
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Wildlife Seminar feedback
“What a wonderful morning. I was absolutely fascinated. Your talk was so informative, useful, encouraging and totally engaging. I am so pleased I came and that you sent me the information about it. I do hope the 2 on Wednesday go just as well. Thank you also for the very informative fact sheet you gave…
Garden Wildlife Seminar
My garden is a continual source of joy as it attracts an array of wildlife. I will give a guided talk on ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ using my small garden to illustrate the principles. You should see wildlife in action, for example newts in the pond, there will be plenty of opportunity for questions. My studio…
Slowed down bird song
I accidentally discovered the exotic notes of slowed down birdsong whilst videoing a bee on a flower using ‘slo-mo’ on my phone. As part of the Somerset Re-acquainted project I have been studying slowed down birdsong and using it to draw patterns with a view to using these on my ceramics. The bird song, even…
Growing your own vegetables
This year due to the global pandemic, many people are taking up vegetable growing. I tend to grow most of our vegetables, so here are my tips: My top vegetable recommendations in order of priority Mixed salads including radish – sow early and successionally for early summer harvests Sugar snap peas – sow early and…
A collector’s garden
On behalf of Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Project, I made contact with Angela Whinfield of Snape Cottage. Angela has an important collection of snowdrops, including some that she collected from James Allen’s garden in Shepton Mallet prior to the Mendip District Council offices being built. It was such a privilege to be shown around the garden…
A New Year
A new year, new work…
Meadows and Flowers
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…
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…