Maria Picken, Author at Ticknall Life

Church Lane Dig, Nov 2014

Before our house was built some forty years ago there was, according to local history, evidence of a pottery on the site. Nobody

The Wonderful World of Weeds
One might have thought that Sally Smith had come to Ticknall Garden …
How the Johnsons Inherited the Harpur Crewe Estates
Have you ever wondered how the Johnson family of Vermont, USA came …
Paraffin City Services
We finished the last article warmly ensconced in the double privy in …
The Beauty of Bromeliads
Plants, but not as we know them! Don Billington came to Ticknall …
Calke Abbey, Tale of Ten Baronets
Just like many large houses in England, one family governed the lives …
New Year New Neighbourhood Watch?
With 2020 now upon us could this be time to start your …
Water supplies to Ticknall and Calke
Nowadays we take a clean, constant water supply for granted. Yet it …
Who lived at Calke Abbey?
Who lived at Calke Abbey? Were they Harpurs, Crewes, or Harpur-Crewes? The …
Winter Gardening
Winter gardening – I love it; whilst there is much to do, …
Planting Perennials
A perennial is a plant that continuously grows throughout its life. Therefore …
Once Seen Never Forgotten
When Don Witton went on his honeymoon to the Lake District many …
Plant Genetic Manipulation
Gardeners like nothing better than browsing through a tempting new catalogue crammed …