Welcome,

The persistent dry weather has withered the grass, and autumn leaves are falling. Rabbits are digging for moisture, and we are filling the hazardous large scrapes.

The ongoing hot, dry weather has lowered the Moat level. To maintain the water level, we let stream water into the Moat, which unfortunately introduced nitrates and led to the growth of the green algae which is visible. However, the Water lilies have multiplied- benefitting from the nutrients in the nitrates

The Vegetable Garden is in full production and we are having bumper harvests this year.  We water sparingly where it is needed and sell the surplus beans, courgettes, apples and figs to garden visitors. Currently we are harvesting Radish, Rocket, Runner and French Beans, Beetroot, Carrots, Courgettes and Potatoes.

The Greenhouse is full of tomatoes (Marmande) and outside the yellow rose growing up one of the Ginkgo trees is “Mermaid”.

Roses flourished in June but have not liked the continual dry weather causing stress which manifested in black spot. We are getting second flowerings. You could identify any of our roses on the tea towels for sale in the Coffee shop.

 Crab apple trees are adding some colour in the Daffodil area and the large purple spikes of Thalia can be seen in the Bog Garden.

Growing up the fir tree in the Autumn Border, the lower leaves of the Hydrangea Petiolaris were eaten by a Muntjac. Fortunately, they are now recovering

On the back wall of the West lawn the Passionflower, grown from seed, is flourishing and Japanese Anemones are in flower.

Oleander are still in flower in the pots at the bottom of the West lawn and Verbena Bonariensis is thriving in the gravel. See how well the orange of Californian Poppies looks amongst them?

Please use caution near the edge of the East Lawn as autumn crocus are emerging. These plants, also known as “Naked ladies” due to their flowering before leaf growth, may be difficult to see.

Watching the white duck sitting on top of the Yew by the bridge I was even more surprised when 2 Heron flew by. We had 5 Muntjac in the garden last night. The Hummingbird hawk moth has been seen on the Verbena and we have a Hen Harrier in the garden as well as very many Pigeons.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker