11th November 2023

Welcome to the November diary.

A little late writing this diary but the garden has been full on. How people put away their tools for the winter I know not as we seem busier than ever.!!

In the Vegetable Garden we are down to Kale, beetroot, carrots, leeks and Parsnips.

Climbing frames have been removed and seeds harvested. Large areas denuded of plants have now had compost applied and dug in. The Raspberry bed is in constant need of weeding during the summer months which takes up a lot of time. It was originally planted 30 years ago but as raspberries are shallow rooted perhaps we haven’t been able to weed out roots as well as foliage? I plan to start a new bed in another frame and carefully replant some of the bushes but leave the bed otherwise empty to get to grips with the pernicious weed. The Asparagus still remains green (a lot of rain ) and we are waiting for the foliage to turn brown to cut it down,

The Greenhouse has had a thorough clean – benches and glass, and the bubble wrap has gone up on the smaller section. I am now able to move the Orchids from outside where they have spent the summer into the warmth of the Greenhouse.

We are starting to cut down perennials in the beds, especially the Hosta and Hemerocallis lining the stream- If we don’t the fleshly leaves may rot back into the bulb or attract slugs. The decision this year is not to remove the leaves from the Hellibores. I know its supposed to be good practice but it does make them look ugly plus, as we have muntjac the pretty exposed flower heads would be too much of a temptation!

The autumn colours are not as strong as previous years and leaves are staying on longer than usual but we are pressing ahead with rose pruning and the tulips need repotting for their spring display.

Muntjac, rabbits, moles and squirrels all happily munching away, Raptors flying over and the odd noisy skein of geese, but joy of joy a pair of white swans taking a great interest.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker