As I write this the leaves are falling from the trees outside and thoughts now are of the shorter days and darker evenings. It was a summer that never really got going with a mixed result from our summer bedding plant displays and hanging baskets.
A few of the plants that have done really well are the begonia borders in the Walled Garden and the dahlias, also in the Walled Garden.
The begonias were planted out during May as small plants and with some TLC have matured into a mass of vibrant colours that will last well until the first hard frost. They are such a robust plant and need very little aftercare. One thing I will be doing is saving a few for the glasshouse. By potting them on and cutting them back hard to encourage new growth, they will start flowering again throughout the winter months and add a splash of indoor colour.
The other success this year were the dahlias we planted in the Walled Garden in front of the glasshouse. They have provided colour and interest all summer and have attracted many comments from our visitors and guests, the bees have enjoyed them too!
It’s time now to start sorting out the Christmas trees, poinsettias, holly and the ivy and plan for next year's displays.
We will be holding two hanging basket workshops next year in May as they are so popular and we will also be opening the gardens again for the NGS on 12th June, so please come in and see what we are getting up to!
Kevin Sweet, Estate Manager