2nd August 2026

Welcome,

The dry weather continues and so too the need for water. We can use our Bore hole and water from the Moat- both of which are low and are used as little as possible. Certain plants, such as Vegetables, are annuals and would die without water. Others, we must hope their roots are deep enough, and they will survive as we cannot water everything. I never dreamt I would look forward to rain!!

We are digging up our Potatoes- Charlotte, and whereas we usually leave them to dry are putting them into sacks straight away.

The herbs have been cut down but some are ready for a second trim, and the Fig tree is enjoying the weather and is covered with Figs.

We have placed Frames to support Cucurbits- such as Tromboncino. When young, up to 1ft, this can be picked as a courgette but technically it’s a variety of squash and if left to grow can reach 1 metre.

The Lavender has been cut down and the Summer fruiting Raspberries, the Asparagus and Rhubarb are left to die back.

The Greenhouse is full of Tomato plants although some of the seeds seem not to be what they said on the packet.

The Buddljea on the Moat bank is a mass of butterflies and bees and you might notice the nice perfume the plants give off.

The water level in the Bog garden is low. Thalia dealbata is the name of the tall plants with long stalks and purple flowers that grow there.

Cutting the back of the hedge situated between the Moat and drive is a difficult operation involving a skilful operator with ladders in the Moat and a boat to take the cut branches away.

The Crinums are in flower at the front of the Hall and the Magnolia Grandiflora at the side of the Porch. The rose in flower on the side wall is Leverkusen- a repeat flowering rambling rose.

The self-seeding geraniums in the gravel at the bottom of the West lawn have been cut down but are about to flower again. The beautiful seed heads are from the Nigella (or love in a mist) and the Eupatorium has seeded itself from the other side of the Moat.

The wild Garden has been left uncut because of the hedgehogs sheltering there from the heat. The Mulberry tree planted there has never had so much fruit and has thrived in the heat.

Despite the heat the Moat has remained clear of algae and you will see the Carp taking the insects off the top of the water.

Take time to listen to the birdsong, smell the roses and look at the plants-

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker