April 2024
Hello Everyone
Along with many people, this is my favourite time of the year as the garden quietly starts to rest. It's a time for plants and people to contemplate, while the changing autumn colours can be enjoyed until they fall and disappear in one way or another.
One of the things that I particularly enjoy about autumn colour is that it has indescribable hues that naturally appear, whilst I sometimes strive for ages to get the right colour in a certain place.
We have been planting out a lot, especially in the woodland area, and by this spring the extended woodland area should be mainly finished. It is a time filled with anticipation as to what the newly-planted bulbs are going to look like when they flower. Narcissi and fritillaries, along with some surprises that have been rescued from the tufa pots which have sat undisturbed for over ten years, are amongst the small treasures being moved to the edges of paths. Here they can be observed in detail, smelt, felt and photographed. One of my favourites is Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and a cluster of those is being planted in the grassy areas down the long driveway. Come Spring!
I have been looking for erythroniums to add to our collection and haven't been able to find a supplier. Does any reader know where I might find these?
Photo 1: The autumn tunnel. Walking through these ornamental grape arches in autumn is a shimmering experience as the light glows through the leaves. It has proven to be a highly successful decision to plant ornamental grape vines here as they also provide deep shade in the summer, and because they are deciduous they have a good flush out in winter and can be trimmed or pruned as we wish.
Photo 2: The garden shed has an autumn fringe as we've cut back some of the foliage to let some daylight fall on the garden shed bench where lots of lists and notes are being made during this season.
Photo 3: Chrysanthemums have been a long time favourite of mine through many autumns. This variety becomes tawnier as the season goes on. I think its colour process is so appropriate as other colours in the garden fade too. A gorgeous burnt orange chrysanthemum has appeared this week. This is what makes gardening so intriguing. Where did it come from?
Photo 4: Soon it will be time for tree planting. Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' is a very much admired tree in our garden. I always take time to explain to visitors that there are two types of Cornus (or dogwood) trees known as the Wedding Cake tree. The most often-grown one is Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’. This tree has a larger leaf and flower and grows much larger than C.a. ‘Argentea’, which, correspondingly, has a smaller leaf and flower. There are other differences as well, but the eventual size of the tree is to be the main one to be aware of.
There is so much information available these days that I sometimes wonder if I should continue writing newsletters, or reduce them to four times a year. Can I please have some feedback as it will help with in my decision. Do you want personal anecdotes along with the usual botanical info?
Best wishes to you all as we get out the woollens,
Margaret
