18th October 2020

In the Vegetable Garden we have picked the last courgette. Chard, leeks and kale are still producing well and we have the late apples and pears to pick. In the greenhouse we have tomatoes and red peppers- the chilli peppers we are growing are lethal and have an uncertain future.

Our crocus bulbs have arrived and we are planting them in the Iris bed for an early display. The delphiniums in that bed were cut down after flowering and some have flowered again- a little more sun would have helped but they are a bonus

In the Dell we have marked out a central area which we will probably grass but we are waiting for the spring bulbs to appear so that they can be moved to a safer area. This huge open space has been formed by a very large chestnut tree that was blown down and we now have an area without shade which needs to be re thought.

This Autumn the colours have not been as strong as in previous years. However, the Parrota Persica or Persian Ironwood tree in the daffodil area never disappoints and has lovely multicoloured leaves in the Autumn.

We have many different coloured asters in the Autumn border and the sedum show them off very well.

The Hosta are all dying back along the stream path and the leaves are turning yellow but before they disappear we are dividing some to plant the area to the top of the path where we have just reinforced the stream walls.

Lots of colour from the Dahlias in the West Lawn and again the humble Sedum is enhancing the bed next to the geranium now colouring up, and the lovely Ceratostigma willmottianum with its leaves turning an aubergine colour and its bright blue flowers- Autumn has arrived!

The kingfisher is still visiting but the swans have left the Moat for the Fishponds- much to the pleasure of some very noisy ducks.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker