Author: tessaparikian

I started this blog when the snow was on the ground and now the weather has become more mild and the snow has been replaced by rain! The subtle shift in the weather and the light, even though it is still officially winter, has set my mind to growing. I have been in hibernation mode… Continue reading Weedy Seedlings

I love composting. There are numerous reasons why but the most important is that the garden waste, grass clippings, plant prunings and vegetable scraps from the kitchen can all be utilised to create what Monty Don calls ‘Black Gold’. I have bins in the garden (three - one hot and two cold) and a bin… Continue reading Worms and Leaves

I have been enjoying these lovely sunny September days. Somehow it reminds me of my childhood - that happy, safe, uncomplicated time. School would go back and the weather would be glorious. It always seemed a shame to be wearing the new winter school uniform rather than the summer dress worn in June and July.… Continue reading Stunning September

I have been doing a lot of walking. My permitted daily walk has allowed me to get to my allotment and I have been going very regularly. It’s perfect really because this is a very busy time horticulturally. With the warm, sunny weather the weeds have been starting to grow madly. I have Mares Tail… Continue reading Peeping into other people’s gardens

I have wanted to write a blog for March but events have rather overtaken us and my brain has been so full of ‘what ifs’ and ‘how will that work’ and ‘when will it be over’ and ‘I hope my sister is ok’, she’s living in Venice at the moment, that there has been no… Continue reading The Cycle of Life

In February, when the wind is howling bitterly round the rooftops and the trees in the front garden are bending at a 45 degree angle it is tempting to hunker down, close the curtains and wait for better weather to come. Sometimes, though, if you put on a warm coat, thick scarf and hat you… Continue reading Spring Awakens

I have a dual nature. I put it down to being born on the cusp of Sagittarius and Capricorn. Indoors I can be terribly cavalier with the state of the house and then become obsessed with tidying and making everything neat and clean.  In the garden I am the complete opposite. I can be inclined,… Continue reading Garden Matters

Just over a year after my first meeting with Alex, her new garden is built and planted up. And, of course this is where the fun starts. Waiting for spring for all the bulbs to emerge, heralding the start of a new gardening year in a brand new garden. Alex had inherited a garden of… Continue reading Designing a garden

I’ve read a wonderful book.  I’m not a big reader, unlike some people in this household. It was passed on to me by the ‘Big Reader’ who sleeps next to me. Tossed casually onto the bed between us. ‘I think you’ll like this’ he said. No more explanation, no exhortation. Just a gentle nudge. This… Continue reading Do The Right Thing

For me September always seems to be the end and the start of something. I think it stems from childhood. September - end of holidays, starting a new year at school. New haircuts, new school clothes. Saying goodbye to holiday freedoms, later bedtimes, flexible mealtimes. The end of warm, languorous days and evenings, the start… Continue reading September Beginnings