31st March 2024

Welcome,

We have put in all the supports needed for the Vegetable Garden and have been able to use some of our own hazel instead of buying bamboo. The potatoes are sitting snugly under their fleece and the Sprouting Broccoli still has its covering to protect from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies. The Rhubarb is being picked along with a healthy crop of Parsley. Most vegetable seeds are sown in the Greenhouse but Broad Beans and salad crops have gone straight into the ground.

The Greenhouse is full of over wintering plants which are gradually being placed outside to make room for seeds.

The lovely white wood anemone can still be seen in the central bed in the Dell but Bluebells and Celandine are filling the other beds.

Altho’ the white Narcissus have yet to appear there is a disappointing number of blind yellow Daffodils. Apparently this is a widespread problem this year. According to Monty Don of Gardeners World (who has the same problem) it is the result of too much rain. However, the RHS replied to me that it was the result of too long a dry period, Whichever is correct we can firmly blame it on climate!! The RHS said that they should come back but I think I will hedge my bets and replant some but leave the others

The lovely white Clematis on the front of the house is Armandii and the white bush below it is Spirea Bridal Wreath.

The tulip pots have been put into the Urns on the West Lawn, unfortunately a bird has tried to make a nest on top of one.!! The Wild Garden has the lovely scented white Viburnum at its entrance and blue Anemone Blanda combining with yellow Primroses and the white Leucojum lining the Moat. Fritillaria meleagris are just starting to flower.

Don’t miss the primroses between the drive and stream which are at their best.

WE now have 15 lambs and masses of baby rabbits running around and someone is eating the Camassia and tulips in the Orchard.!! Lovely to hear the early morning Dawn Chorus again

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker