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.

Tasks for May

Continuously picking rhubarb and removing any flowering stems will ensure a longer crop.

Protect vulnerable plants such as young seedlings, or hostas from slugs. We use crushed egg shells as a barrier.

Install shade netting or a whiteout spray over the greenhouse if necessary.

Bedding plants can be planted out towards the end of the month, after the last frosts have passed. Ensure they are gently acclimatised to the change in temperature outside the greenhouse or cold frame.

Trim back spreading alpines such as aubrietia and arabis after flowering.

It looks like we may be in for a dry summer so a water butt or other water collection system connected to the guttering is a good idea.

Spring and the 400th Anniversary of the Cedar

Spring has finally well and truly sprung! Rhododendrons are out, magnolia are in full bloom and there are still plenty of daffodils looking good. I noticed an early paeony flowering today, starting the promise of an excellent show in about a month.

This reminds me of June last year when the BBC came to film our paeonies.
If all goes well we may be on Gardener's World at the end of the month.

A thatcher came last month to do a 'service' on the roof of the summerhouse (see pic), which was very interesting to watch. He took off the old net, combed through the thatch, which was still in very good condition, and re-thatched the very top where it was a little worn. He then replaced the metal netting with a less intrusive thin plastic one. It was a long job, taking the best part of two days, but it now looks almost new.

To celebrate Spetchley's 400th year this year, Mr Berkeley decided to plant a cedar, so last month we had a planting ceremony on the main lawn. Unfortunately the weather was rather wet, but that didn't stop our local radio station, BBC Hereford and Worcester doing a live broadcast, and the local newspapers from taking pictures. All in all it was a very busy morning.

One of the corners of the gardens is currently being remodelled, with a large yew tree having been removed and the area levelled off. A wall is being built to create a very sunny corner just outside the back gate to our working yard.
Mr Berkeley is planning two narrow borders that will be home for some of the more tender climbers and shrubs. We are all interested to see what will be chosen to be planted there.

Tips for April

Trim back shrubs that have flowered over the late winter, eg jasminum nudiflorum, removing the flowered shoots to keep the shrub within its boundaries.

Prune back hardy fuchsias to 2 or 3 buds from their base.

Clean patio slabs and stonework to remove alge etc.

Keep hoeing when the weather is warm and breezy to remove small weeds.

Sow carrot, beetroot and other early crops at two week intervals, for a longer harvest.

Earth up early potatoes to protect the tubers from the light.

New Faces to Greet You at Spetchley

As I write this month's missive, looking out over the tearoom lawn, the chairs and tables are out and it's a lovely sunny afternoon. There is a fine show of crocus all down the Long Walk, the last of the snowdrops are still flowering, early cyclamen are out and the daffodils are starting to push their flower buds up amongst their leaves, promising a fantastic show in two or three weeks. Spring has arrived at last.

Now that the alterations and improvements to the tearooms are complete there is an L shaped serving counter and a new, separate food preparation area. The extended seating area is bright and spacious, and there is local produce on sale.

It has been a little chaotic in the gardens for the past few weeks as we have been running the gardens with half the usual number of staff.
What with sickness and staff turnover it was a tricky few weeks. We are, however getting back on track as we have now been joined by our new gardener, another Richard, who has previously worked for garden maintenence companies. This is his first time in an historic garden and he says that he is already learning new skills.

We also have three ladies who have just taken on the shared role of Gatekeeper. So it will be Claire, Joan or Sue who will meet and greet you when you visit. Apart from sellng entry tickets to the gardens, the Gatekeeper will also be selling season tickets, tickets to Spetchley Garden events when appropriate, and plants that are surplus to requirements from the gardens. (We have some lovely crocus for sale at the moment!)

Tips for Marcht

Prune roses, wisteria and campsis.

Begin to prepare the vegetable patch, clearing and digging over on fine dry days.

Plant the early varieties of potatoes that you prepared (chitted) last month.

Start to cut grass on a high cut, when the weather is dry and breezy.

Now is a good time to cut down (pollard) willows and cornus that are grown for their winter colour.

Mulch beds before the weather becomes drier, with rotted grass clippings, leafmold, bark chips or one of the decorative mulches available from the garden centre. They will retain moisture over the summer, suppress weeds and keep the borders looking fresh.