18th May 2025

Welcome.

Still no rain in Norfolk. We are picking the last of the Asparagus, and have Spring Cabbage and Chard. Beetroot, Onions, Beans and Peas have been planted and Potatoes earthed over.

The evergreen Cystis Monspeliensis is a mass of white flowers lining the path by the Greenhouse- all grown from cuttings from a single plant bought 25 years ago.

The flower growing up the furthest Ginkgo tree is the beautiful rose Keith Maughan. It is also growing up the wall at the side of the Coffee Shop. It’s a Peter Beales rose named after an Attlebridge school master who died young.

The Blue Iris have replaced the white Iris in the Iris Bed and Delphiniums are appearing above the Nepeta- Walkers Low.

The Paulownia in the daffodil area is shedding its flowers which are festooning the path beneath. Cow Parsley is covering the Daffodils as we wait for them to die back.

Work is in progress in the Bog Garden where we are recovering from the fallen Willow. The yellow Iris in flower is Pseudacorus Variegata and the Magenta Candelabra Primula is P. Pulverentula.

The Chestnut with its bright pink flowers can be seen at the back of the Autumn Border. In front, Hydrangea Petiolaris is climbing 20ft up the tall Pine.

Hosta and Hemerocallis line the path beside the stream. Beneath the deep shade of the Flowering May can be seen, variegated Hosta, Bergenia, Solomons Seal and Acanthus.

The roses on the front of the Hall are Albertine, Rambling Rector and Banksia Lutea. A map of the roses grown in the Garden can be seen in the Coffee Shop.

The West Lawn packs a punch with blue, mauve, orange and Schiaparelli pink plants all on display (Cistus, Alliums, Geraniums, Poppies and Iris). But don’t miss the delicate colours of the Helianthemum lining the banks of the Moat. In the gravel beside the Moat, Geranium Psilostemon is the first to stake its claim but amongst it thrift and euphorbia are in flower.

We have heard many birds including Woodlark, Red start, Kestrel, House Martins, Blackbirds, Tits and of course numerous Pigeons. Carp and Eels as well as millions of tadpoles have been seen both in the Moat and Fishponds where the Black Hebridean sheep continue to munch their way through the grass.

Stay Healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker