Tips for June

Feed plants in borders, and start dead heading flowers.

Thin out hardy annuals and veg sown in the garden.

Ensure net cages over soft fruit, peas and any other vulnerable veg are secure, without access holes for mice or pigeons.

Shade and ventilate greenhouses, and keep the pathways dampened on warm days, if we get any...

The New Mower

After the late start to spring we have had a strangely wet and dull month of May (the expected drought hasn't arrived in Worcester yet!). Although it has reduced the amount of outdoor work we have been able to do, it has allowed us to concentrate on all the indoor jobs that we never seem to get time for, so the conservatory and melon houses are looking a lot tidier this month.

We have also had a tricky time with our grass cutting machinery as one mower after another decided to play up or die. This has meant however that the plunge had to be taken, and we now have a smart new ride-on mower for the main lawn. A splendid machine that was demonstrated just after a hailstorm and didn't miss a beat.

We had a stand at the Malvern Spring Show to advertise the gardens, which was fun. We took turns at manning the stall and looking round the exhibits and stalls. People connected with the estate in some way came and introduced themselves so we got to meet, amongst others, a previous land agent and a chauffeur to the Berkeleys.

The davidia involucrata ( handkerchief tree, dove tree or ghost tree) is in full bloom on the monument lawn. It looks as though it has been hung with hundreds of white handkerchiefs. When you visit, do have a look as it is very impressive at the moment, and has been showing off for a couple of weeks.