31st May 2026

Welcome

The black Hebridean Sheep have been moved to the Car park where they are enjoying the shade of the large Chestnuts and mowing the grass for us.

As you entered the garden you might have noticed a rose in full bloom on the wall of the Coffee Shop. It is Keith Maughan and was named by Peter Beales Roses after an Attleborough school master who died young.

The cream spikey plants growing beneath this sign are Sisyrinchium striatum.

The Vegetable Garden is full of plants. We are harvesting our first potatoes (Charlotte) and will need the space for vegetables waiting to be planted out. The Sprouting Broccoli has finished, been taken out, and replaced by seedlings for next year’s harvest.

We have taken our last Asparagus spears and will now allow the plants to go to seed.

The Globe Artichoke, at the back of the Garden, are enjoying this hot sunshine and creating a striking display with their towering sculptural foliage

The Herb Garden is au point and the standard gooseberries full of fruit. I am waiting until after visitors leave on Wednesday to cut back the herbs as they are looking so good.

The Greenhouse is now planted up with Tomatoes. We grow a beefsteak variety called Marmande which is later than others but wonderful flavour.

If you are lucky you might even hear the bees on the Catmint lining the Iris bed, there are so many.

Daffodils are dying back and we are waiting a little longer before cutting them down. Before that we will give them a feed this week.

As you cross the stone bridge you cannot miss the scent of roses that hits you. Albertine on the wall, Rose de Rescht at the foot together with Dianthus Devon Wizard. They pack a powerful punch.

Roses are magnificent everywhere and if there is a particular one you would like the name of you will find it on the tea towel map of roses in the Coffee Shop,

The gravel at the bottom of the West lawn is full of self seeded plants but we will need to remove some of the Ox Eye daisy which are taking over.

After walking round the Hall, rather than returning via the Vegetable Garden, a walk down the drive and along the pleached Horbeam gives a good view of the beautiful old Hall.

Over 30 birds heard in the gardens and do please add to the list in the Coffee Shop if you have heard another. Muntjac and junior have been seen in the gardens plus rabbits, squirrels, small butterflies and so many bees; with at least one large toad having a feast in the Cold frame.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker