It’s not that work in the garden this year hasn’t gone on as usual. It’s just that too often the weather has made it a less than enjoyable experience. The pictures admittedly often prove otherwise, but the abiding memory is of a damp and dispiriting battle with the elements, where, we all learnt, the jet stream got 'locked' in the wrong position. And Cornwall seemed to get its fair share of the soggy downside.
But the openings came and went, these opportunities to meet and talk with fellow Cornwall-based gardeners and garden lovers. The Mylor Gardening Club visit was a jolly one, blessed with a sunny and an even almost warm afternoon. The plant stall was well stocked, but pretty well depleted when they left, always a sign of a successful visit.
Even though many plants and flowers came on pretty late because of the weather, when they did arrive they were often more numerous, lush and spectacular than in previous years. The roses, love in a mist, wisterias, linarias, foxgloves, whatever it was, it was in the end very often 'a good year' for them. Rewarding, but surprising.
On 17 June we opened in the morning for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, a joint opening with Bett and Mick Hartley at Long Hay, Treligga, who opened in the afternoon. Again we got pretty lucky as the conditions had been daunting beforehand, hence a pretty low turn-out, but actually it came better as the morning progressed and the garden was looking good. Overall it was enticing enough for some of the intrepid to picnic by their cars enjoying the view out over North Cornwall.
The unusual thing about this opening was that clearly some of the visitors were knowledgeable about wildlife. One man sat in the sun at the top of the garden by the barn and, quite simply, bird watched. He soon realised that darting to and from a nearby perch was a Spotted flycatcher, and it was nesting in our old barn. We hadn’t ever noticed this bird. It isn’t very flamboyant or glam, in fact it’s a little like a slightly bloated sparrow, but it is a relatively rare one, and its habit of darting off and catching insects all the time was charming to watch over the coming days.
The unusual thing about this opening was that clearly some of the visitors were knowledgeable about wildlife. One man sat in the sun at the top of the garden by the barn and, quite simply, bird watched. He soon realised that darting to and from a nearby perch was a Spotted flycatcher, and it was nesting in our old barn. We hadn’t ever noticed this bird. It isn’t very flamboyant or glam, in fact it’s a little like a slightly bloated sparrow, but it is a relatively rare one, and its habit of darting off and catching insects all the time was charming to watch over the coming days.
The last opening this year in early July was for Bude U3A gardening club, and once more their visit managed to coincide with a nice sunny afternoon, the garden in encouraging bloom. Tea in the courtyard went down well with all-comers. Many, quite rightly, voiced their approval of Trish’s blackcurrant buns, the hit of the season. Of course, some credit must go to Nigel Slater whose recipe she used. Gardens and food. Magic combination.
What a difficult year to garden then. At times it looked fabulous, as good light fell on the lush growth. But the soft footing and frequent winds meant difficult recovery conditions for the ground, and ultra-difficult to mow grass, trim hedges and cut back growth by paths so visitors could have safe and enjoyable drip-free passage. Luckily there was just enough space between open days to get things looking presentable and, as ever, visitors were really appreciative and warm with their remarks. Perhaps we shouldn’t say “as ever”. Maybe one day someone will be super critical. That would be a really interesting conversation, which the business of garden appreciation needs more of.
As I write this in mid August, looking back over garden events, it’s teeming with rain outside, wind blown chairs are strewn over the terrace. Our pictures from bright and better June and July days seem almost unbelievable. Ones lke a shot of Rosa 'Brenda Colvin', firmly established now in an apple tree in the orchard, glowing on a rare, perfect, summer's day. And on a misty morning the substantial growth in the 'Red Bed' in the drive (which isn’t red) surprises with its lushness. And the fabulous, but late this year, Sammy Russell, surely the most attractive of all the day lilies, standing out in the bed beneath the barn.
The next, and final event is a summer lunch in the garden for friends, and all those who’ve helped with garden openings, including this year's gate, raffle and plant stall people, Marcy , Teddy, Gaynor, Maggie, Penny and June. Last year we all sat in the sun among the fruit trees above the summer garden. This year, we’re already admitting defeat and planning for it to be undercover in the courtyard. Maybe we’ll be pleasantly surprised, and need to do a late change of venue. But I wouldn’t bet on it.
Jeremy
Jeremy