23rd March 2024

Welcome,

We have suffered from rather cold, wet and windy weather over the past week but the plants are continuing to appear and Spring has arrived.

We are picking Rhubarb and purple Sprouting Broccoli- still covered by the fleece protecting it more from the birds than the weather.

The Greenhouse is full as it is still too cold for plants such as Oleander which have had its protection all winter. Space is a problem as seed sowing has begun in earnest as we need to have our plants with roots to avoid the mice and birds.

So very pleased to see in the centre bed of the Dell the lovely little wood anemone  A. Nemorosa Alba Plena. This bed is naturally raised and full of tree roots and it has taken a time for this anemone to establish- possibly thanks to all the rain we have had. They have taken over from the dying snowdrops and are in full flower now- don’t miss them.

Daffodils are appearing and will soon be joined by the scented white narcissus.

Caltha Palustris or Marsh Marigold is the bright yellow flower in the Bog garden and it is Akebia quinata, with its deep maroon flowers, that is climbing up the Arch.

Should you follow the steps up into the Laurel area you might notice 90 circular holes in the ground. This is where the squirrels have dug up 90 Crocus bulbs planted last year- despite them having a good coating of chilli powder. All you can do is admire their precision.

Walking through the Water Garden or the Orchard note the number of headless tulips- we think this was the rabbits

The Clematis in full glory on the front of the Hall is Armandii and the white shrub in front – Spirea Bridal wreath

The wild daffodil Narcissus Pseudonarcissus has finished flowering in the Wild garden but their place is filled by Primula, Chinodoxia and the lovely blue Anemone Blanda. Look for the first fritillaria which are appearing.

Masses of birds in the garden and the lambs started arriving 6 weeks early.

Walking in the Fishponds really requires wellies as the water table is still very high

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker