28th April2024

Welcome to our garden,

The Vegetable Garden is starting into action. The Sweet Peas have been planted out and we are picking Rhubarb, Asparagus and probably the last of the Sprouting Broccoli. The Peas and Mangetout had been planted as seeds but have been precision drilled and removed by Rabbits Squirrels or Mice. Whatever the culprits clearly, we must start again but will need to learn from this and protect any seeds planted directly into the soil. The potatoes are through the ground and being earthed up.

The Greenhouse is full of seeds which we are bringing on before planting out, but it is still too cold to remove some of the tender plants that have over- wintered there.

The Iris Walk is about to flower- we just need a little sun, and it will be the purple first then the white followed by the more exotic colours. Catmint, Walkers Low, edges this border and the Delphiniums will follow as the Iris die back.

The Paulownia is in flower in the Daffodil area and the yellow laburnum. We have spread blood fish and bone over the daffodils and the rain should wash it in to feed the bulbs.

In the Bog Garden yellow is the dominant colour with the variegated Water iris and Caltha Palustris enjoying the wet conditions.

We have been busy in the Compost area replacing the bins using reclaimed pallets. We burn the sticks and brush then add the ash to either the compost or put on the plants to feed them.

A smallish area by the gate has been neglected and is now almost out of control with ground elder. There are many ways to approach this, but we have decided to dig out the area entirely, remove the weed and replant with the Persicaria.

Yellow is again the colour on the front of the house where the lovely rose Banksia Lutea is in full flower. From the West Lawn looking across the Moat you can see another yellow rose- Canary Bird which has been in flower for about 4 weeks.

The Orchard is full of blossom. We still have Tulips and Camassia in flower but on inspection you will see where Muntjac have nipped off their heads.

The lambs now number 18 and we have many Blue Tits nests in the garden. Last week we saw a yellow wagtail and of course the Heron. Lots of Grey Lags living in the Fishponds- infact they laid eggs in the Wild Garden but sadly they were found.

Stay healthy and good gardening.

Lynda Tucker