31st July 2023

Welcome,

We are at the time of year when some flowers have finished their summer display, and we are waiting for their second flush and the autumn flowers. However, this is not true of the Vegetable garden where herbs and vegetables are in full swing. We are picking salad crops- beetroot, lettuce, radish and rocket, beans, potatoes, cabbage and courgettes. Strawberries and cherries have finished and we await the autumn raspberries and espalier apples.

The blue flower at the back of the Iris Bed is Cichorrum Pumilum a chicory that is currently being tested for use against cancer.

The Buddlea on the moat bank have all been grown from cuttings and you cannot fail to see the Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies swarming on them.

The space in the centre of the Dell was caused by a very large Chestnut tree falling over. This created an open area and it has been planted with Betula Jaquemontii and underplanted with cammomile. When mature their white bark should stand out and this will be echoed by the white Camelia and rhododendron planted behind.

The Daffodil area has been cut and the thousands of bulbs will be fed in September. Dierma or Angels Fishing Rods are lining the moat and the tree you need to duck under is an Arbutus.

Previously we have had huge crops of yellow Mirabel (wild plum tree on the boundary next to the fish ponds) but not so this year and we won’t be making their delicious jam.

It’s hydrangea time in the Water Garden and they enjoy its shade.Look out for the large white mop head Annabel, Oak leafed hydrangeas and also at the back of the Wild Garden where they are in shade next to the wall with H. Petiolarus climbing it.

Oleanders are in flower in the pots at the bottom of the West Lawn and the white achillea spreading everywhere is the Pearl.

Agapanthus are one of the plants that have suffered from the very cold winter and we have lost our white and dark ones. We did have a riot of colour with the blue mixed with the crocosmia in the West lawn but few have survived -but not so the crocosmia.

The roses on the Pergola will all have a second flush meanwhile the  clematis are in flower.

Apart from Butterflies we have lots of rabbits digging and 2 heron who visit daily. Muntjac are around and house martins nests

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker