Seasonal turns...

In a season when we should be contemplating a fall of snow, about the only thing that is descending at the moment are leaves from the trees. It would seem that the season of autumn has extended into early winter. Oaks are still showing green leaves and again we will probably end up with new leaves pushing the old leaves off - similar to the effect that adult teeth have on baby teeth!

Autumn by the Japanese Hut

©Sam Youd

Having said all of that, we have had two nights of frost down to minus two which effectively has stopped the growth of the grass and given the message to the border plants that it is at last time for them to go to sleep.

The fruit tress are still bearing good crops of apples despite the lateness of the season with also continuation of crops of figs, particularly the variety Rouge de Bordeaux which has a luscious red centre, deliciously sweet.

Good success has been had with a third batch of pineapple plants which means that we will now be able to complete the planting of the pineapple house in all three bays, with the prospect of maybe some plants from the first batch fruiting next year.

The conservatory is almost at the point of completion except for one or two jobs which need to be adjusted; planting has already started. We look forward to this new and exciting adventure, so if you think garden visiting is only a spring and summer occupation then there’s still time to readjust your thinking. Get out there and enjoy these fine sunny, mild days.

Sam Youd, Gardens Manager