As I hinted before, my summer has been dominated by writing books, two of which came along at once, and neither of which could be turned down. It is a long time since I wrote Gardening in your Nightie after all, so it is time I did something new. One book is relatively low key affairContinue reading “Labour pains”
Author Archives: Helen
All booked up…
Amalee Issa has given me a dig in the ribs today. Not a word, not a single word, have I written here in six months – or is it more? – she says. I have an excuse: I am in the thick of it with not just one, but two books. So instead of writingContinue reading “All booked up…”
Richard Zatloukal
One of my oldest and very best friends Richard Zatloukal has died in Thailand (where he has lived for years) – too early, of course, at the age of 67. This always amiable, chain-smoking, hyperactive eccentric had extraordinary intellectual curiosity, was a brilliant wordsmith, a talented painter and had one of the best brains I have everContinue reading “Richard Zatloukal”
Too soggy to blog
I have been exceedingly lax about keeping this going – partly overwork, partly the fact that, when not mopping up INDOORS after downpours (oh yes, drips just missing bowls and buckets everywhere), I have been gripped by a creative urge and have been digging up part of my lawn in order to augment/amend the border plantings. ThereContinue reading “Too soggy to blog”
The One Show – Bristol – Buddleja
The BBC’s One Show is my televisual guilty secret. Apart from the fact that it coincides with my finishing things I absolutely have to do each day, indoors and out, I like the cheerful content and the chemistry between the presenters. And sometimes they have really interesting features. Tonight’s programme visited Bristol (of which IContinue reading “The One Show – Bristol – Buddleja”
Garden ponds, children – and Charles Darwin
This evening I went to see Creation – a film about Charles Darwin. The film was absorbing – somewhat over-emotional, perhaps – focusing heavily on the double trauma Darwin suffered as a result of his scientific convictions and the death of his daughter – and the rift they caused between him and his intensely religious wife. ButContinue reading “Garden ponds, children – and Charles Darwin”
Autumn blues and nice smells
The best thing about blogging – as opposed to writing for a weekly newspaper deadline – is that you can simply opt not to for a while. OK, so the graph that tells you how many people read your stuff (the checking of which can become a bit of an obsession if you let it) gets dishearteningly un-peak-yContinue reading “Autumn blues and nice smells”
From Hampton Court to Parham House
Well, I have done my time at Hampton Court Flower Show and got the tired feet and muddy shoes to prove it. As usual I enjoyed it a lot, apart from that horrid washing line with saggy underwear planted up with bedding plants. What on earth….? And the ‘six wives of Henry VIII’ gardens were aContinue reading “From Hampton Court to Parham House”
Garden ponds/hot weather – a slightly more sensible post than the last one…
My pond – directly in my line of view as I write – is lovely at this time of year, but the hot weather and lack of rain have caused the water level to drop by a couple of inches at least. Topping up garden ponds with tap water encourages the growth of algae, soContinue reading “Garden ponds/hot weather – a slightly more sensible post than the last one…”
The Performing Seal speaks (or writes)
Being basically a very un-bloggy person – am I the only performing seal that has to be reminded to perform (by my son Henry who blogs for Cancer Research UK )? – I (no, he) feel(s) I should in turn remind readers that I shall be ‘performing’ in the Telegraph Gardening Theatre at Hampton Court Flower ShowContinue reading “The Performing Seal speaks (or writes)”
Helen Yemm 