SPECIAL TOURS & GIFTS
HIGHGROVE GARDEN: THE GARDEN NOW
MID APRIL
The Garden truly comes alive to all the senses in April:
It is so wonderfully noisy at Highgrove, with the birdsong virtually drowning out the mowing operations taking place to keep this first and rampant flush of lawn in check.
Visually, everything seems to be trying to flower together in a mad rush; unlike the previous cool spring, the continuing warm weather this year has encouraged many bulbs to flower early, so as the Narcissi fade the Tulips are coming on. The trees are also having a particularly good flowering flush with the numerous flowering cherries, plums, Malus, and magnolias, (to name a few) setting a most enchanting scene. Green in its many vibrant shades and tones, is the most dominant colour at present, demonstrating the life-force and growth in the Garden at the moment.
Scent is determined by which area in the Garden you are in; Choisya ternata in the Sundial and Terrace Gardens (surprisingly little damaged by the cold this year), scented Narcissi and apple-scented Rosa rubiginosa in the Walled Garden, Azalea luteum in the Arboretum and fresh mown grass everywhere.
There is warmth in the sun and reasonable humidity in the air; the season of major growth has begun.
Especially the weeds! Even with the low amount of winter rainfall, the weeds quickly grow and go to seed; somehow they know it is the busiest time of the year for a gardener, making it harder to keep them in check!
Not everything is awakening in the Garden as wished, the cold winter period in December 2010 has taken a toll on some of the less hardy plants; many of the Lavatera and some of the Mediterranean plants are looking less than happy. Patience is key at the moment, as some plants such as the Fuchsias, which may appear dead, are just beginning to break from the base.
The tree fern crosiers are slowly emerging from their crowns and the olives, although a bit shaken are alive but waiting for more warmth. Over the next two months, all these specimens will be assessed, replaced or encouraged to grow back and regain shape and form.
Preparing for summer, the seed sowing continues in the greenhouse, and now directly out-of-doors for the hardy annual flowers.
Nature has done its own sowing, with self set annuals such as poppies and nigella germinating in many ornamental areas around the House, with care needed not to disturb these whilst weeding.
The sweet peas, sown in the greenhouse, have been hardened off and planted on the willow archway and obelisks which were made earlier in the year. There will be a slow transfer of plants from the greenhouse out into the Garden. The summer bulbs such as gladioli and lilies are being planted out to make displays for mid summer whilst the spring bulb displays of tulips mixed with blue myosotis are being enjoyed at present.
So much to do and enjoy in the Garden!
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March Garden Images
Late March
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February
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