I am always amazed at how fast the seasons go, but this year seems to have passed especially quickly. I look out of my study window and see the trees changing to yellow and gold in the copse, and a little further towards the New Lawn the Cornus Norman Hadden has spectacular fruit. (See pic.)
2 more hedgehogs were released into the gardens at the beginning of the month. ' The Hedgehog Halfway House' in Worcester is very keen to release hedgehogs back into safe environments and the gardens are full of cosy places to hide. We have been talking to the Gamekeeper about releasing some more hedgehogs into the surrounding woodlands too.
For a couple of weeks at the beginning of October we had a firm of tree surgeons in the garden, removing dangerous branches, and felling rotten trees. There were two 200 year old trees on the main lawn, a beech and an oak, that had to be felled due to their deteriorating condition. Two of the yews in my garden are also to be felled as they are very close to the cottage and squirrels are using them as a route to get onto the roof to eat the lead flashing!
In the middle of the month we had the 'Armoured Picnic', where re-enactors from various groups camped in one of the fields over the weekend, and set up 'living history encampments'. We went with family members, and really enjoyed talking to the people involved. The encampments were set up at the same time as the trees were being made safe, so just prior to the event the gardeners had to go round the entire garden cordoning off branches and brush that had yet to be cleared away.
Mid October saw the beginning of a change in the weather as it began to turn frosty at night, so we then needed to ensure that all the vulnerable plants had either been taken into the greenhouses, or covered in horticultural fleece. Thankfully, the conservatory renovation has all been completed and the plants that usually live there have been returned to their warm winter quarters from their summer outing in the vinery!
Best Wishes
Kate
2 comments:
Dear Kate, I came upon your blog when my Dad and I were searching Spetchley Park - where he spent several days of rest during WWII. Dad was a member of the Eighth Air Force. He flew 35 missions in the European Theater. He is now a healthy and independent 85 year- old gentleman. Since my Dad is a keen gardener, it is a pleasure to read your comments and to view your pics that bring much better memories than some of those he still holds of WWII.
Dear Martha,
Thank you for sharing this with us. If you and your Dad are ever in Worcestershire be sure to look us up.
Best wishes, Tim Davies
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