Today it’s bright, and much warmer here in Cornwall. For pretty much the first time in 2013, it felt good to get outside and continue the winter jobs. It’s the first prolonged dry period of the year, following the dispiriting wet spell. Actually “spell” is not the right word. The rain has been relentless since late autumn last year.
It’s good for another reason as well. It helps keep our minds occupied, as despite the improving weather, our spirits are down as just a few days ago our beautiful young pointer, Jackson, finally lost his struggle with a dysfunctional heart. He has been a much-loved treasure, and a great and engaging companion, always loving rootling about in the garden. We, and Rupert, our older (fatter) pointer will sorely miss him. I include a couple of pictures of them here. Memories for us all.
It’s good for another reason as well. It helps keep our minds occupied, as despite the improving weather, our spirits are down as just a few days ago our beautiful young pointer, Jackson, finally lost his struggle with a dysfunctional heart. He has been a much-loved treasure, and a great and engaging companion, always loving rootling about in the garden. We, and Rupert, our older (fatter) pointer will sorely miss him. I include a couple of pictures of them here. Memories for us all.
Looking at the garden pictures from last year, clearly we enjoyed a long colourful autumn, very much the result of the washout summer, all of which contributed to 2012 being the second wettest year since records began.
The late summer wasn’t all bad news though. Following another inspirational visit to French gardens in Brittany, we returned determined to get down to work. We had some exceptionally good bright days on which to enjoy the late flowering plants and shrubs. The echinaceas and michaelmas daisies were outstanding, and the courtyard poppies and shrubs were displaying superb shades of intense colour. We were even tempted into tackling some jobs particularly early, like cutting back the American Pillar rose and Clematis armandii on the barn. The pond was wonderfully full and often reflected the late evening sun.
On 1st November we took delivery of three multistemmed holm oaks, to be planted in the main field where people arrive to visit the garden. Eventually, with Christmas fast approaching, we got around to planting them - with Jack's help as usual.
Now, as 2013 advances we’re preparing for, and looking forward to another year of openings. We open for the NGS on Sunday June 30th, and this year we’ll remain open for the following two weeks for visits by appointment. Along the way we’ll also have the Hardy Plant Society, another group of visitors from Austria and Germany led by tour leader Petra, and new this year, a visit from Cornwall Garden Tours. You can see their website on www.cornwallgardentours.co.uk
We'd better get out and get on!
We'd better get out and get on!