19th April 2026

Welcome,

The garden is bursting into life and suddenly there is a rush to sow, plant and weed.

The Vegetable Garden is being prepared with supports for climbing vegetables put into place. The fleece, which has been protecting the chitted potatoes, is ready to be packed away and we have started picking the Asparagus. We still have some Sprouting Broccoli and Spinach but the Leeks are getting a little tough. We are trying something new this year with the leeks by cutting off the tops but leaving the roots in place. I have been told that 2 or 3 new stems will grow-no harm in trying as we don’t yet need the space ?

Elsewhere it’s been a bumper year for the Bluebells. As well as in the Dell they are popping up everywhere in the flower beds. That’s also true of the Dandelions and the combination of the two make a very pretty picture which is hard to disturb.

The Daffodil Area is coming to an end and the plants allowed to die down naturally but look carefully and Primroses, Celandine and Cowslips are growing up beneath.

The Primula are flowering in the Water Garden. The damp shade is perfect for the  Erythroniums;  the white have finished but the yellow “Pagoda “ is still in flower.

The evergreen Choisya is in flower along the Stream Path producing a very pleasant smell and if you look across towards the Compost area the Solomons Seal (Polygonatum) are in flower.

At the end of this path we planted red tulips- some have come up variegated and looking at the jagged cuts on the leaves of others we think Muntjac have eaten their flowers!

The black tulip has been very successful along the wall in front of the Hall and this will be followed by Aquilegia and eventually Nerines. The Walls have R. Penny Lane with Dorothy Perkins nearest to the Moat. Clematis Blue Angel is planted in between.

Orange is the dominant colour in the West lawn. The Wall flowers by the gate self-seed and the bright tulips in the beds are eye catching. The flowering columnar ornamental cherry in the corner is Amanogawa.

In the courtyard at the back of the Hall, tulip Ballade is in flower and its pretty pink tones echoed by the bi annual Wallflower and pink Lily of the Valley.

Grey lag geese have at least 3 nests in the gardens- all with eggs so if you see them please keep clear.

The sheep are happily munching the grass. They mainly drift between the Water Meadow and Fishponds, and you might see their tracks through the grass as they follow each other around. You might be lucky enough to hear the Woodpecker- you certainly won’t miss the Geese if they are disturbed!! Many many Tits and Wagtails and if you do see any unusual birds do tell us so that we can record it for other visitors to admire.

Forecast is for a spell of cold weather………

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker