Welcome to My April Blog
Every time I say ‘Spring is here’ the weather turns for the worse so I am not going to fall for it again - this time I'm skipping over the weather! The team and I have kept busy recently doing a lot of important upkeep and maintenance jobs, such as treating all of Ashdown Park’s garden seats with wood stain - completing repairs on them as required. We have had more drainage work done which is not so exciting but it is essential, and some small improvements to our plant nursery/ standing out areas.
It’s great to see the days getting even longer, now the clocks have gone forward, I’m sure you are enjoying the opportunity to get outside of an evening as much as we all are!
We have started to do an early grass cut around some areas which has kicked the smell of freshly cut grass into the air, an aroma that instantly brings a smile to my face!
I’m really getting excited now about our upcoming garden events! The first one to get in your diary is our Hanging Basket Workshop and Afternoon Tea on the 23rd May. This is already filling up so I recommend booking your place as soon as possible.
We will be starting to make up the hanging baskets for around Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club over the next few weeks and keep them in the glasshouse to get some early colour.
I would also like to remind you about our National Garden Scheme (NGS) Open Day on Sunday 10th June 2018.
This is a great chance to visit the hotel and its estate, at the same time helping a great charity. This year we will have a special theme in celebration of our 25th year, so make sure you come and explore!
Plant of the Month
Bonsai
This month I have something a bit different for you, I would like to tell you about a new hobby I have just started…
With my passion for plants, trees and all things greenery it might be of little-surprise to you that I have always been interested in Bonsai (the art of growing small trees and shrubs) and this year I have started a small collection!
So far I have four trees, a 16-year-old Podocarpus, a 7-year-old Red Maple, a 19-year-old Korean Hornbeam and a small collection of Larch in one container which are 6 years old. It’s a very therapeutic hobby which I would recommend to anyone. Bonsai trees are a great way of keeping a beautiful green space in almost any type of home! Even if you don't have a garden you can bring a bit of nature to your homestead.
I’m very keen to grow my collection further and will keep you updated. I hope you might even get inspired to start your own collection.
April Garden Tips
1. If dry, do the first cut to lawns on a high setting so as just to top the growth.
2. Apply a spring lawn fertiliser to grass areas.
3. Start taking out any overwintered plants (plants which you brought into the warm over winter) but still be aware of late frosts.
4. A light application of a complete fertiliser such as Growmore will help your plants along into Spring.
5. If working in the borders, watch out for new growth from herbaceous perennials.
I wish you Happy Gardening!
Kevin Sweet
Estate Manager