Welcome to my August blog
Summer has well and truly arrived, we certainly are not used to the constant heat, last time I remember a summer like this was the year I started work at Ashdown Park in 1976, at the age of 16.
Grass everywhere has turned a shade of gold but at least it saves on cutting! It’s amazing how quickly the grass should green up now, after the recent rain showers we've had.
Around the estate, it is amazing what you can see if you take the time to watch, the number of insects around this time of year are countless. On the sunflowers the honey bees are busy, butterflies and months are all around and the sound of grasshoppers and crickets can be heard. It’s all part of the summer and needs to be enjoyed! With so many different types of habitats at Ashdown Park it is so well worth exploring to see what you can spot.
During this scorching weather, the team and I have been busy catching up on some long term projects such as the refurbishment of a stone bridge next to the East Wing pool and carrying out improvements to the Driving Range.
With the lack of rain over the past month, we've had to put a lot more time into watering. This has been taking up a fair amount of time in the mornings but in efforts to save water where we can we've added a water retaining product to the hanging baskets and containers which seems to be working.
On another topic, I wanted to share with you a brilliant morning I got to join for a moment earlier in July. At the beginning of every month, there's a coffee morning held at the Country Club in the Fairway Lounge. In July we welcomed the owner of our neighbours the Llama Park, Bobby. Along with his wife, Bobby has run the Llama Park for the last couple of years and turned it into a lovely family-friendly day out, having also homed other species of animals who were in need.
Normally my experience with the Llamas tends to be finding a llama named Teddy enjoying a bite to eat on our golf greens. He's a large male and has figured out how to jump out of his paddock to reach the juicy grasses of Ashdown Park.
However on this occasion, at the end of the morning, two llamas were brought to meet the morning's guests. It was lovely to have the chance to get up close, learn more about how special these animals are and feed them by hand. They will even take carrot straight from your mouth (careful positioned longer pieces of carrots) which was a random experience. They are so friendly, gentle and beautiful.
Plant of the month... Something a little tasty...
In the summer I find I frequently eat salad - I do however find the same ingredients can be a bit dreary. At Ashdown Park, we grow a selection of herbs, fruits and vegetables which are used by our kitchen and bar team so I felt it was time to try something new, inspired by what was available to me I decided to add a new finishing touch to dishes - edible flowers, including Nasturtiums, Violas, Borage and Calendula. These are a great way to bring another aspect of beauty, colour and taste to a humble salad.
Whilst out in the gardens, now you can normally see me munching on the flowers. Some have a tangy citrus flavour such as Calendula (marigolds) whilst others have a sweet nutty flavour such as Courgette flowers (which are also superb deep fried). All are worth a try! As always though, when foraging - don't eat anything unless you are sure of what it is!
August Gardening Tips
1. Keep baskets and containers watered, little but often, and feed.
2. Do not worry if the grass goes brown it will come back green after some rain. Avoid watering grass by hose as it could have a detrimental effect.
3. Cut away foliage around fruit so the fruit gets the full benefits of the sun to ripen.
4. Add plant saucers under containers to catch water.
5. Protect tender plants from direct sun and shade if the plants are showing signs of scorching.
I would like to finish my blog by reminding you that October is Ashdown Park Hotel's 25th Anniversary, there are an array of very special offers running! The perfect way to experience Ashdown Park while joining in the celebrations!!!
CLICK HERE to explore all the Exclusive October Offers!
Enjoy August and Happy Gardening to you!
Kevin Sweet
Ashdown Park Estate Manager