9th March 2023

It has been bitterly cold- none colder than we opened for NGS on 25^th February when we had sleet and bitterly cold east winds. Nearly 200 brave souls did make the effort for which I am truly grateful.

It is the time of year in the garden that we repair paths and fences and do the general maintenance.

This year David and Jim have worked hard to add granite setts to the paths inside the herb garden which I think look amazing and can’t wait for the frosts to pass so that we can put the Bay back to finish the picture.

We are still waiting for the Sprouting Broccoli but it is noticeable how much better it has done inside the fruit cage rather than in the open. We are just finishing the last of our stored Apples and have put fleece down in preparation for the chitted Potatoes. We still have kale -which is under a net and the Rhubarb is almost ready for picking. Asparagus and soft fruits are being fed and espalier Apples pruned but it is the vegetables and fruit from the freezer that we are grateful for at this time of year.

The Snowdrops were magnificent and we have already lifted and divided for an even better show next year. The Hellibores flowered well but I am not keen on the naked look and next year we will leave the leaves on. We are lifting and moving daffodils and bluebells from the places that they have seeded and are mystified as to how Tete a Tete came up in the Dell when the only site is along a path in the stream garden. Daffodils are already waving their heads and once the weather warms up I am sure will romp away.

We have had our first lambs this week- which is early for us. The Swans have returned but are having trouble finding a nest as we seem to have a shortage of reeds and the water table seems high. Fingers crossed that they will settle down soon. However, we are inundated with Moles and Rabbits and the odd Muntjac none of whom respect the garden rules.!!

We open for the season on Wednesday 29^th March after which there will be a weekly blog.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker