Garden News

Things are moving on apace, recent visitors to the garden can see that drainage work has begun on the main drive and it will be harrowed and re-seeded in the very near future. The dry stane dyke that runs alongside the servants walk is also being repaired, and a very good job is being done, just have a look at the stones being moved by hand to appreciate the work!

Our 2 students, Mike and Rob, are fitting in and seem to be enjoying themselves. They have helped not only with the never ending tasks of strimming and weeding, but also pond clearing and planting. Their largest task so far has been in helping to clear the Ash Garden . This area was full of self-sown libertia grandiflora and ferns, alongside a mass of dry ponticum that had been cut back in previous years. There were also large piles of wood remaining from the old ash tree that came down years ago, hence the name Ash Garden . This has all now been cleared. Along with this was the removal and replanting of several shrubs and trees, which have now been moved into the borders at the front and side of the area. This has allowed a clear area for replanting, it has helped the moved plants by putting them in areas where they are not struggling for light, and it has consolidated the design. The garden has now been cleared as far as the ditch at the back and will become a wildflower area. It is surprising how large this area is now it is possible to walk around it.

Shrubs have been cut back from the main drive in order for visitors to dart out of the way of passing traffic.

Several leylandii have been removed from the green walk, where they were damaging the Ha-Ha, and the debris cleared. If you think leylandii look big when they are growing you should see them when they are felled. Most of them were fell precisely where they should have, all except the last which went crashing through several rhododendrons, which then needed tidying and clearing themselves.

The herbaceous border is being replanted in places, as are parts of the walled garden. There are annuals as well as perennials being planted, the annuals will provide instant colour and interest while the perennials establish. Among the annuals are everlasting flowers. These beautiful blooms have the feel of paper and can last for several years once picked.

Plant sales are doing well and therefore more potting up is being undertaken to keep up with the demand.

Lots of work is ongoing in the office, it may not be the first thing that comes to people's minds when considering gardening but it is vital stuff. Malcolm is being interviewed on a weekly basis regarding the gardens, and records are being made, area by area, so that his knowledge and recollection of the gardens is not lost but kept for posterity.

The long overdue clear up of the pesticide store has been done, and we are awaiting the council who can dispose of the chemicals we no longer need safely. This was essential as several of the containers were degrading and chemicals spilling onto the floor and others had been outlawed for use due to safety issues. A light has also been installed in order to make it safer and easier to find anything needed.

A database is being set up so that a complete list of the Horlicks collection of rhododendrons can be recorded, and to my knowledge there has never been a complete list compiled. The list will also record where the plants can be found in the garden, whether any layers are being taken, and if so, when.

The tea tent has arrived, albeit in boxes, and sales will commence in July and August. This is to be in the walled garden and should bring much needed refreshment to the visitors, who often ask for such an amenity.

A heated propagation bench and misting system is being set up in the small glasshouse soon, which will help immensely with plant propagation, and the Alpine House is due for imminent re-roofing…watch this space.