15th May 2022

WELCOME

The Vegetable Garden is getting full attention. Asparagus, Chard, Radish, Rocket and Rhubarb are being picked.  Sweet Peas, Sweet Corn and Potatoes planted out, Strawberries, Apples and Currants are all blossoming and the Herb Garden has woken up -although not yet up to speed.

Tomatoes have been planted in the Greenhouse and there are many plants in the cold frames hardening off and waiting for the last frosts before going out.

The Cistus along the path is C. Monspeliensis- an evergreen whose original plants came from Beth Chatto. It has medicinal uses and a skin preparation is made from its bark. All these plants are grown from cuttings – unfortunately the plant appears to suffer from frost damage. The first section was replaced last year and after flowering the older second section will be removed and replanted.

There is a lovely little path winding through the Dell to a seat which overlooks the Medieval Fishponds and the Hebridean sheep. It’s a pretty view and a comfortable seat.

In the Daffodil area Cow Parsley is replacing the dying plants and the garden has taken on a wild appearance as the daffodils die down, but do admire the Laburnum, in full flower at the moment, and you cannot miss the most spectacular Paulownia with its lilac flowers dropping onto the path. For the best view walk past then turn back to look.

7 Cygnets have hatched and the swans take them for walks through the daffodils to the fishponds but their nest is in the Bog garden. They are wild animals and protective of their young so admire from a distance.

Alliums are coming up at the front of the Hall. These were chosen as a deterrent after squirrels dug up 150 tulips from this bed one cold February- squirrels don’t like alliums.

However, cold weather has meant the tulips in the urns on the West Lawn have stood up well for many weeks.

The Deutzia in flower next to the Obelisk Is D. Ningpoensis.

The West Lawn borders are bursting with life, roses are in bud, the stage has been set and we are waiting for the warmth from the sun… then the performance will begin.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker