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Ornamental grasses

When I cut down my grasses, I leave bundles around for the birds to use for nesting material. My favourite is stipa tennuissima, which doesn't grow huge, and dances delightfully in the slightest breeze. I also have a couple of beefier miscanthus, their flower heads stand through the winter, and a colony of very pretty green cricket like bugs take up residence in them every year.

Something is eating my lavender

Well, I just googled 'do hamsters eat lavender' and apparently they do. Their garden habits are like rabbits, but I think they are probably less agile.

Something is eating my lavender

I think your rodents are in fact hamsters. But I don't know if they are partial to lavender...

Plant ID... is it a wee?

I'd go with euphorbia as well. My lathyrus vernus has pea like pods for seeds, and different leaf habit. As with all euphorbias, the stems can exude a milky sap which can cause a nasty skin reaction in some people, so handle with care and stout gloves.

Stinging Vine

It's certainly a hop - might be humulus lupus aureus, the golden variety. I've got one, it grows along the wall at the bottom of my garden. I cut it to the ground every winter, and try and limit the amount of new shoots it puts up in the spring. I have heard that the young shoots are edible. I daresay that with concerted effort you could kill it...eventually!

What's the weather like in your area?

So hot here in South Devon can't face food. The scent from the sweet peas is enough...

What's the weather like in your area?

Been away for the weekend in scorching Kent, now back in scorching Devon. Have just cut 30 sweet peas. Hurrah! Off to take PennyDog to the doggy hairdressers, then time for the garden. One happy bunny here!

Fork Handles

Clear the fridge pizza here - making sauce with onions, toms and red peppers. Then steaming spinach. Made the dough in new gadget Kenwood Chef earlier, took out enough for pizza, put the rest in freezer for loaf when I get back from (another) Kent trip. So plan is for pizza fiorentina- ish. Leftovers will do for snacking on tomorrow.

The Edible Garden

While we're on the subject, 'Cuttings' and 'Successional Planting for Adventurous Gardeners' by the late great Christopher Lloyd are informative, inspirational and superbly written.

The Edible Garden

I bought the Edible Garden a while back, and agree it is truly inspirational, and has changed my gardening style to one which I find much more satisfying. If you enjoyed this book, I'd suggest you also have a look at anything by Joy Larkcom.

Bay tree root eradication

Best way to do it! 

Plan bee

One of the more uplifting news stories... 

Overwintered runner bans

Left the roots in after clearing last year's crop, they've survived the winter and putting up new growth. 

Red rhubarb leaves

I've got a bad feeling about this... 

What can I use as green manure?

Landcress just about to go to seed