31st August 2025

Welcome,

At last we have had the long-awaited rain. The grass is greening up and the flowers perking up.

Please be cautious when walking on the grass in the garden. There are large holes made by rabbits, and efforts are ongoing to address them.

In the Vegetable Garden, Beans are still being harvested. The Sweetcorn crop has not been successful, but the Squash and Pumpkins are growing well. At the back of the garden, frames support the trumpet-shaped courgette Tromboncino. Sprouting Broccoli is growing in the Fruit Cage as protection from pigeon and pheasant.

Box Blight and drought have affected the Vegetable Garden. We have removed infected parts, treated with a fungicide, and will feed the Box after two weeks.

Tomatoes are still producing well in the Greenhouse.

The rose – Pink Bells is located on the steep bank behind the Iris Walk. A total of 20 roses have been planted on this sunny steep slope, but soil erosion has impacted their roots. Planks have been installed beneath the plants, and additional soil added, to minimise further root exposure. This same rose can be seen growing beside the stone bridge in front of the Hall.

Cyclamen are in flower in the Dell, enjoying the shade as the autumn leaves drop around them.

The water level in the Moat has fallen, as can be seen in the Bog Garden. We have closed the sluice gates leading into the Moat and the water has largely cleared from green algae.

The pink Nerines along the wall at the front of the hall are in flower. They suffered badly from the heat and lack of water and are just recovering.

Behind the wall the Passion flower is taking over- originally grown from a single seed.

The orange flower along the path under the pergola is Zauschneria Ed Carmen also known as Californian Fuchsia. A draught resistant late summer/ autumn flowering plant with grey green foliage happily spreading along the edge of the flower bed.

Verbena Bonariensis is growing in the gravel along with the geranium psilostemon  which is having a second flowering.

My favourite autumn plant is coming into flower- Lespedeza. With its ornamental arching branches of rose-purple  pea shaped  flowers it enjoys full sun and is draught tolerant- take note.

Hydrangea Petoliaris along the top of the wall has been dead headed but the flower heads on other Hydrangeas are left to protect them over the winter.

The Autumn Crocus are in full flower on the edge of the East lawn and the mauve scented herbaceous shrub-clematis Wyevale is in flower in the shrubbery.

Rabbits are very evident in the gardens and the heron still visit. A “murder” of crows (a medieval term linked to folklore and superstition) come by in the evenings. We have seen a Hen harrier, heard Owls and a Tawny Owl pellet was found on the Front door mat.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker