Welcome to my May estate blog.
Well at last Spring has truly sprung with so much new growth and colour.
Even the soil is drying out and the grass greening up. The days are getting longer and warmer and now is a great time to get out and about.
We have started to make up our hanging baskets which will be kept undercover until we are sure their will be no more cold nights and frosts. Work has been ongoing in the Walled Garden with cutting back and cleaning up the borders.
The fruit trees this year have been pruned by George, our apprentice gardener, with some guidance from myself, looking forward to a bumper crop.
We have a Secret Garden on the estate and it is well worth a visit during the spring as it has a collection of spring flowering shrubs including Azalea and Rhododendrons, will give you a clue in finding it, close to the East Wing side of the hotel.
Our forest walk with Tom Forward was a great success, we all saw and heard lots of different wildlife. It was fascinating to see what's around and learn more about this wonderful location. Our next forest walk will be in August, watch this space for further details!
We will be holding our ever-popular Hanging Basket workshops during May, where we supply the plants, compost, wetting agent, and slow release grow tabs and some tuition if needed. The only item required is your own hanging basket. After the workshop there is an afternoon tea in the lounge.
Have a ‘No Mow May’ and lets bee-friendly and let's allow lawn wildflowers to bloom for the bees.
My Garden Tips this month
1. Plant out summer bedding plants.
2. Remove faded spring bedding plants.
3. Plant out dahlia tubers and cannas.
4. Be aware we may still get a frost early morning.
5. Check and water containers as required
Until next time Happy Gardening
Kevin Sweet