17th September 2023

Welcome

Penultimate week of garden openings and we are already feeling the cooler air. The Autumn colours are best after some cold weather and we are transitioning- but not yet here.

The Vegetable Garden is giving way to fruit. We still have Carrots, Cabbage and Courgettes to pick but are getting a surprise second crop of strawberries along with the autumn Raspberries, Pears and Apples. Beds that have been harvested are now being dug over and we will spread a layer of compost to let the frosts break down and then turn the soil ready for planting in the Spring.

Apples that store will be picked and others will be turned into our own Apple Juice and frozen.

Outside the Greenhouse the yellow climbing rose in the Ginkgo tree is Mermaid. Second flowering and it finds its own way -if you start it off well.

Don’t miss the colourful cyclamen in flower in the Dell.

The Autumn Border is full of Asters and Dahlias which are beginning to colour, the tall Orange flower is Tithonia and the very tall yellow daisy -like plant is Inula Magnifica.

The Water Garden is full of Hydrangea enjoying this cool space and look along the ditch for the Toad Lilies- planted as a line and with delicate orchid-like flowers

Colchicum are in flower along the edges of the East Lawn.

The West lawn is full of colour- a lovely lupin is in flower which seeded itself in the Gravel and the Delphinium which was cut down after flowering is almost as good the second time.

Don’t miss the beautiful shrub- lespendeza near the Bay, with its long branches covered in pink flowers. It contrasts well with the orange Crocosmia and D. Red bishop of Llanduff.

Cormorants and Heron are daily visitors along with squirrels, moles and rabbits. BUT so very pleased to see the return of the White Swans on the Fish Ponds.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker