Devon Country Gardener May 2025

Gardeners cuttings in Devon

A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA

BIRDWATCHERS STRUGGLE TO SEE MANY STARLINGS

The UK results from this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch have revealed starlings have dropped from third to fourth place as the lowest number ever was recorded. In Somerset, whilst starlings are still in decline, they have kept third position in the rankings. House sparrows held onto the UK top spot again and blue tits remain at number two, with woodpigeon and blackbird making up the other top five most recorded species in UK gardens.

Nationwide, almost 600,000 people took part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, counting more than nine million birds of over 80 species during this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch – an amazing achievement. The survey provides a valuable snapshot of how the most common garden birds are faring.

NOW IS THE TIME TO CREATE YOUR DREAM BEING OUTSIDE

As our gardens bloom, now is a wonderful time to enjoy our outside space and create your dream pond. Whether you’re creating a tranquil space with fish or a wildlife haven buzzing with life, a pond adds beauty, movement, and a peaceful place to unwind.

Ponds are easier than you might think, and Bow Garden’s friendly team are always happy to help. Firstly, choosing the right spot is key - somewhere with a mix of sun and shade is ideal. Too much sun can encourage algae, while too much shade can slow plant growth. Also don’t forget to consider the size and depth too, wildlife ponds can be shallow with gently sloping edges, while fishponds need more depth for healthy, happy fish.

If you already have a pond, now’s the time to get it looking its’ best. Adding a variety of pond plants, from oxygenators to water lilies, keeps the water fresh and balanced. If you’re keeping fish, a filtration system is essential for clean, healthy water –you can ask the team to recommend the right filter for your pond. Plus make the most of your visit, and relax with home-made lunches, breakfasts and scrumptious cakes in Bow’s award-winning Waterside Café. Tel: 01363 82438

www.bowgardencentre.co.uk

May - the very word makes the heart leap - birds, buds, blossom, beauty.

EVA KELLOGG

DEVON NGS COUNTY ORGANISER’S GARDEN OPEN FOR THREE DAYS IN MAY

The lovely garden at Moretonhampstead of the Devon county organiser of the National Garden Scheme, Miranda Allhusen, will be on show for the scheme on three days in May - Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, from 12pm until 5pm each day, raising much needed funds for nursing and caring charities.

SUTTON MEAD, Moretonhampstead, Devon, TQ13 8PW is a large garden with splendid views of Dartmoor, constantly colourful, with numerous varieties of rhododendron, azalea and late spring bulbs. There’s a mature orchard, productive vegetable garden, substantial tree planting, croquet lawn, and tranquil woodland. Lawns surround a granite lined pond with a seat at the water’s edge. Elsewhere there’s unusual planting, grasses, a bog garden, granite walls, rill fed pond, secluded seating and an unusual concrete gothic greenhouse, a garden of variety that’s been developed and constructed over 45 years. Homemade teas available, plants from the garden for sale, partial wheelchair access, dogs on leads allowed and coaches welcome. The garden is also open for the NGS by arrangement with the owners - go to the NGS website (below) and follow the links for more details. Admission £6, children free.

For a very different garden visit, go to THE BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL GARDEN, Blundell’s Road, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 4DN on Friday 16th or Saturday 17th May when the garden opens for the National Garden Scheme, from 11am until 5pm each day.

The Blundell’s Garden is the base for a Community Partnerships programme, run from a lovely wooden cabin which doubles as the Garden Café. Primary schools and community groups engage in environmental activities, learning about the garden, wildlife and understanding the world around us. Pupils will show you the wildlife pond, vegetable beds, cut flowers, wildflowers, orchard and apiary. Cream teas, plants for sale, and partial wheelchair access, dogs not allowed. Admission £5, children free. Pre-booking essential, go to www.ngs.org.uk to book.

For more gardens open for charity in May go to page 28

TAVISTOCK COUNTRY GARDEN SHOW RETURNS

The Tavistock Country Garden Show is back, and this year promises to be an unmissable celebration of all things horticultural. Taking place on the 25th and 26th of May, the event, now in its 20th year, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a weekend filled with vibrant gardens and expert advice.

The show has become a must-attend for anyone passionate about gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a budding green-fingered beginner, there’s something for everyone. The show features an impressive array of plants, flowers, and garden accessories from some leading local growers and nurseries from the local area. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of stalls offering local produce, artisan food, and beautiful garden-inspired gifts. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal outing for all ages, with plenty to see, do, and learn.

May is God’s way of saying ‘One more time’ ROBERT ORBEN

Sutton Mead

Blundells School Garden

Whether You Love to Lounge or Grow Make This Spring Bloom!

Garden furniture for comfort, plants for joy – all in one place.

NEW season garden furniture is now in store!

Start enjoying your garden again with a stylish new garden furniture set, there’s something perfect right here for every budget, space and taste.

Your local Otter Garden Centres:

OTTERY ST MARY Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LZ

PLYMOUTH Chittleburn Hill, Brixton, Plymouth, PL8 2BH

JACK’S PATCH Newton Road, Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, TQ14 9PN

TORBAY Moles Lane, Paignton, TQ3 1SY

Also find us at TAUNTON, WINCANTON & LYMINGTON

www.ottergardencentres.com

There’s nothing more rewarding than growing your own plants and vegetables at home.

Whether you’re nurturing fresh herbs on your patio, planting vibrant flower beds, or creating a thriving vegetable patch, growing your own brings a sense of achievement and joy.

Festival organiser Julie Colman, Rural Enterprise Coordinator said:

EXMOOR NATURE FESTIVAL READY TO GO

Exmoor National Park Authority has a full list of events agreed for the Exmoor Nature Festival 2025.

The festival, happening over two weeks, Saturday 17th May to Sunday 1st June, will feature over 60 events and activities celebrating wildlife and wellbeing across the National Park.

“I’m delighted the festival will be such a busy and varied fortnight, with so many events showcasing wildlife, the benefits of nature for human health and the sheer beauty of the National Park. Visitors and the local community will be able to enjoy a wide range of experiences across the area, showcasing what our unique natural environment has to offer here. It’s a great line-up: from family fun days, forest bathing and marine life watching, to wildlife trails, Kayak adventures, farm walks and outdoor yoga.”

You can pick up a free programme from National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth (Open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm) and at outlets across the Greater Exmoor area.

Find more info and an e-version of the programme at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/nature-and-landscape/exmoor-nature-festival

BRATTON COVELLY PLANT SALE

Bratton Clovelly village is holding its Plant Sale on Saturday, 17th May at Bratton Clovelly Hall Ex20 4JT from 11am to 2pm (cash only). There will be flower and vegetable sales, shrubs and perennials and refreshments. Proceeds go to FORCE Cancer Charity, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tea and Friends of Boasley Cross Primary School.

HIGH QUALITY BONSAIS ON DISPLAY AT ROSEMOOR

There’s the opportunity to explore displays of some of the highest quality bonsai trees over the weekend of Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May in The Garden Room at RHS Garden Rosemoor. Exhibitors will be delighted to give advice and answer any questions about this absorbing and growing hobby of bonsai, and in particular, the trees they are exhibiting.

Some of the best professional bonsai nursery people and traders will be on hand at the show –two of whom are RHS Gold medal-winners. They have vast amounts of knowledge to help the novice to the experienced. There will also be trees, accessories and tools to buy if you want to start this hobby or extend your collection. 10am to 4pm both days and normal admission prices apply.

RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH

SECRET GARDENS OF TOPSHAM IS BACK TO ENJOY

One of the west country’s best loved events is back this June - the Secret Gardens of Topsham. Organised by Topsham Museum and held on Sunday 8th June the event - normally staged on alternate years - attracted no fewer than 1,400 visitors in 2023 and this year aims for even more. There will be 15 gardens to discover around Topsham, each deserving the title of ‘hidden gem’. Most are completely private except for this event with some boasting views over the Exe Estuary. Visitors can enjoy a special opportunity at one of Topsham’s finest houses along the Strand - a pop-up Museum shop and a specialist plant stall, including selections propagated from some of the Secret Gardens themselves. There will be tea and homemade cakes at two additional stops along the garden route.

15 Topsham gardens open, some directly on to the estuary

“Like all of our Museum activities, this event is undertaken entirely by volunteers who have been planning it since the start of the year, not to mention the garden owners who obviously take huge pride in displaying their beautiful work,” explains Rachel Nichols, who was one of the organisers of the very first Secret Gardens event in the town back in 2004. “This year we’re especially proud of the event as the Museum itself is temporarily closed until later in the summer because of extensive restoration work by Exeter City Council.”

All proceeds from the event go towards running Topsham Museum, which relies entirely on donations and proceeds from its shop and refreshments to cover running costs. The Museum also hosts small displays in a restored red telephone box in the heart of the town. Programmes will be £8 in advance, either from topshammuseum.org.uk or The Topsham Bookshop or Wilkinson Grant estate agency branch in the town - the event is held with the support of Wilkinson Grant estate agency. Programmes purchased on the day will be £10. Parking available at Topsham Rugby Club (a donation applies) and in the town’s public car parks.

The JUNE issue of Country Gardener will be available from Saturday 31st May

Find your nearest stockist www.countrygardener.co.uk/magazine/stockists

TALATON OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND

On the weekend of the 24th and 25th of May, a dozen gardens will be open in the village of Talaton from 2pm to 6pm. This year two of the gardens will open for the first time.

This event is now in its 32nd year and continues to be a popular event which raises funds for Talaton Church and the Parish Hall.

Tickets cost £5 and are valid for both days so if you can’t get round all the gardens on the Saturday, come back on the Sunday at no extra cost. There is no charge for children under 16. Tickets available from the Church car park or any of the gardens. The event is cash only. There will be plants for sale at various locations. Proceeds from ticket and plant sales will go to the Church.

Teas will be available in the Parish Hall with all proceeds going to the Parish Hall.

Opening for the first time are April Cottage and Three Winds. These are adjoining small cottage gardens both of which have changed hands recently and so the gardens have seen a lot of change as the new owners stamp their mark.

Rides on a miniature steam traction engine will be available for the children at Keepers Cottage. No dogs apart from assistance dogs in any of the gardens.

www.talatonopengardens.co.uk

BUTTERFLY NUMBERS IN DECLINE AGAIN

Newly released data has shown that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time on record, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline. Nine species had their worst year since counting began, including the much-loved Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper. Worryingly, last year was also the second-worst year on record for ‘wider countryside species’ – the common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and across the landscape such as Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Large White.

The figures come from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme which has asked volunteers to count butterflies across the country since 1976 and now monitors more than 3,000 sites. The scheme is led by national charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

Overall, 2024 was the fifth worst year since records began for UK butterflies. Butterfly numbers always fluctuate annually, and last year’s low numbers are partly the result of a wet spring and relatively cool summer, however UKBMS data also show that 31 of the 59 resident UK species are now in long-term decline.

Perfect Powderham

The popular two day Toby Buckland Garden Festival is back for its 11th show with the biggest ever line up of speakers and award-winning plant nurseries

One of the most popular garden festivals staged in the west country is back on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May in the grounds of Powderham Castle.

Toby’s Garden Festival in its 11th year and promises two days of delight, celebration and inspiration for gardeners and lovers of the great outdoors. Hosted by BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter Toby Buckland, the family friendly event boasts the biggest line-up of talks and speakers plus for the first time the chance for visitors to learn some new gardening skills.

Headlining the festival alongside Toby, are fellow BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenters, Francis Tophill and Joe Swift. Other speakers include Jacquie Felix, award winning food writer and grower Mark Diacono and a range of specialist growers and experts.

It’s an unmissable two days, with over 200 exhibitors including award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show plant nurseries and British-grown trees, roses, border and wildflowers, aquatics, shrubs and houseplants plus sculptures and garden furniture and an ‘Artisan Barn’ showcasing local artists, crafts, ceramics, textiles, glassware and jewellery. .

The highlights of the speaker programme include:

FRIDAY 2 MAY POWDERHAM CASTLE

Designing with Raised Beds, Containers & Pots Jacquie Felix Mitchell OASIS GARDEN DESIGN A Taste of the Unexpected with award-winning food writer and grower Mark Diacono Toby Buckland in conversation with BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill

10.45am 11.15am 12pm 12.45pm Camellia Growing with Chelsea Flower Show Gold medallist nurseryman Jeremy Wilson of STRETEGATE CAMELLIAS

Cider with Barny: Mapping Devon’s Cider Apples with Toby and Barny Butterfleld, founder of SANDFORD ORCHARDS

Peat-free Success & Gardening for Wildlife with the Gardener Guru, Kate Turner Thinking of getting a polytunnel? Protected growing with John Mathews of WHITEBIRD POLYTUNNELS

1.30pm 2.15pm 3pm 3.45pm

House Plants: Practical repotting and propagation with Rob Vincent of HUTCH HOUSE PLANTS

Coming up Roses: Success with the Nation’s Favourite Flower Kevin Smith of CORNISH ROSES

Container Pond Demo: plants, planting & care with Dan Upsher of AQUA EDEN and DU WATERSCAPES and author Becky Searle

Growing colourful house plants: RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning Dr Paul Dibley of DIBLEYS NURSERIES

Food Drink Devon’s food and drink market will be in the castle’s beautiful courtyard. Featuring 20 local producers there’ll be the chance to meet the makers and sample some of the county’s finest food and drink. ‘Feast Street’ returns, offering visitors the perfect place for a bite to eat delicious curated street food and pop-up bars from around the region. For those who want to make a special day of it, Toby’s Garden Festival’s VIP Experience, not only grants visitors entry into the festival but also, all-day access to 14th century Powderham Castle’s library and music room with morning tea, coffee and biscuits, canapés and a light buffet lunch, afternoon tea, a glass of fizz and a VIP gift bag. New this year is a series of craft sessions held in the Castle and offering visitors the chance to learn skills including botanical paining, willow weaving and terrarium making.

To book tickets online go to www.tobygardenfest.co.uk. Available are: VIP

3 MAY POWDERHAM CASTLE

An audience with BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and award-winning garden designer, Joe Swift

Seed and Soil Laid Bare: Paul Jupp of MEADOW IN MY GARDEN and Eddie Bailey of RHYZOPHYLLA

Grow a New Garden: Plan, design & transform any outdoor space with author and kitchen gardener Becky Searle

Secret Gardens of Devon with Sue Minter, DEVON GARDENS TRUST

Save Time, Money & Boost your Garden Naturally, with AMATEUR GARDENING Editor Kim Stoddart

An audience with BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and award-winning garden designer, Joe Swift 10.45am 11.15am 12pm 12.45pm

My Shady Friend in the Garden, with Mike Arthurs of TAUNTON NURSERY MIKE’S HOSTAS

Success with Streptocarpus: RHS Chelsea Gold Medalwinning Paul Dibley of DIBLEYS NURSERIES

Planting for Success: Choosing Trees That Thrive, Not Just Survive with Philip Nieuwoudt of NEW WOOD TREES

Setting Out a Contemporary Garden: Gardening trends and ideas with Christine Alford 1.30pm 2.15pm 3pm 3.45pm

Ponds & Planting with Dan Upsher

Garden Antiques & Treasures: the value in your home and garden treasures with auctioneer Chris Surfleet of ADAM PARTRIDGE AUCTIONEERS

Coming up Roses: Success with the Nation’s Favourite Flower, Kevin Smith of CORNISH ROSES

Growing Dahlias with Rob Evans of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal-winning PHEASANT ACRE

Main Speaker Marquee

Country Gardener Marquee LAKESIDE

Frances Tophill

Joe Swift

Toby Buckland enjoying the speaker tent with visitors

GARDEN VILLAGE

Country Gardener

The Retreat, Kentisbury

It’s nesting season

In spring and early summer, birds are attempting to breed. It is the time of year to enjoy the activity of breeding including courtship and display, nest building and feeding young. It’s also the time of the year to stay away from hedge trimming and be aware of how birds can infiltrate your house with their nests.

As most people will know, once spring comes around it’s officially house-hunting time for birds!

More and more of our feathered friends will be making use of the trees, shrubs, and climbers in our gardens to build their precious nests in.

This vegetation is a lifeline for the birds: it will provide a foundation on which their nests will rest, it will protect their eggs and chicks from wind, rain and sun and will even hide them from predators. However, with more people spending time in their gardens during the warmer months, so does their needs/wants for having a tidy up and trimming this type of vegetation.

First of all, it is important to be aware of when the bird nesting season is. In the UK this is between 1st March and 31st August.

So, what to do if you want to trim your hedges?

You must wait until after the main nesting season as the possibility of birds nesting is very high, but as long as no active nests are moved or damaged, you can legally cut vegetation year-round. Firstly, you need to watch for a few days to make sure you do not see any nesting activity in the vegetation.

When birds are nesting, they are constantly popping to and from the nesting site. This is because at all stages of nesting they need to keep returning. Therefore, your main indicator is whether you have birds regularly coming in and out of the vegetation.

If they leave first thing in the morning and don’t return until night, then they’re probably just using the area to sleep (roost) in.

Before beginning any cutting, you should still thoroughly check the hedge/tree to make sure you can’t see any active nests. If not, then you may cut.

Use manual cutting tools instead of electric ones, as they are easier to control and stop should you come across any wildlife.

What does the law say?

All wild birds and their nests are protected by law. It is illegal to intentionally or recklessly take, kill or injure a wild bird or to take, damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with a wild bird’s nest while it is in use or being built. It is also an offence to obstruct or prevent any wild bird from using its nest. It should also be noted that the nests of most bird species are not protected outside of the nesting season once the birds have stopped using them. Additionally, areas that are used by birds for roosting (and not for nesting) are not protected. The law does allow licences to be issued to allow actions that would otherwise be against the law. Licences can only be used if there is a real public health or safety issue that needs to be addressed. There must be no other satisfactory solution: in other words they can only be used as a last resort.

Birds nesting in chimneys

Chimneys are a popular nesting spot for some species such as jackdaws. This can cause concerns about health and safety; especially as nesting material can catch light. Like all nests, those in chimneys are covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to move or disturb the nest. In extreme cases you may be able to get a license to remove the nest from the

Government but, in general, you will need to wait until the end of nesting season before acting.

Once the nesting season is over and the nest is no longer in use, it’s sensible to employ a chimney sweep to remove any nesting material and then have cowls fitted to prevent birds accessing the chimney in future.

Birds nesting in a cavity wall

Birds will sometimes enter the home through gaps such as air bricks and vents to find somewhere safe and sheltered to nest. When the babies leave the nest, they may sometimes then fall into the wall cavity.

This is often a situation which can be resolved without assistance from a wildlife rescue. This scenario usually involves little hands-on rescuing of the bird itself and often involves more DIY or even professional building work.

Birds nesting in eaves

Lofts and eaves areas are popular nesting places with birds such as starlings and swifts. Most of the contacts the RSPB receive are from people worried the birds are trapped in their loft. This is unlikely – usually if they can get in, they can get back out again. If the bird has been consistently visible in the loft for 24 hours, you don’t see any outside activity and/or the bird is looking unwell, then you’ll need to contact a wildlife rescue for help. If the bird comes and goes then it can and should be left alone.

Like all birds’ nests, those in your loft are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act meaning it is illegal to disturb or destroy them. In general, the advice is to remember that babies are only in the nest for a few weeks so the issue will resolve itself before long.

Reporting any nests being destroyed

What if you’ve seen someone cutting their vegetation, and they’ve damaged or destroyed active nests in the process?

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), wild birds’ nests are protected from intentional damage, destruction or removal when they are in use or being built. This means if someone knows they’ve got a pair of birds nesting in their ivy, and they cut it anyway and damage the nest, they would be breaking the law. The RSPB recommends if you think an offence has taken place, call the police via the non-emergency 101 telephone number, and ask to speak to the local Wildlife Crime Officer – you can do this anonymously.

If you’re a keen gardener and want a healthy garden for the year ahead, or want to reduce the amount of waste you put out for collection each week, why not start home composting?

If you’re a keen gardener and want a healthy garden for the year ahead, or want to reduce the amount of waste you put out for collection each week, why not start home composting?

Adding homemade compost to beds, baskets and pots is a natural, low cost way to put nutrients back into the soil and restore the natural balance to your garden.

Home composting is a simple process, and now is the best time to get started!

Step One – Choose a location for your bin

A compost bin, or heap, is best sited on soil but can work on concrete. Placing the bin in a sunny location will speed up the process, but it will also work in the shade. Place your bin anywhere that’s convenient, but not too close to your house!

Step

Two – Start adding your materials

Anything that has recently lived can be composted, but care needs to be taken with certain materials, including meat and fish. The most common materials composted are: fruit and vegetable trimmings, grass cuttings and garden waste. In addition to these, you can compost small amounts of paper and cardboard.

Step Three – Fill up your bin and give it time!

Once your kitchen caddy/container is full, empty this into your bin. Try to get a 50/50 mix of greens and browns, as this creates the best compost.

Greens Browns

Vegetable peelings Straw

Fruit waste (and other food waste, depending on your composter) Wood shavings / wood pellets (depending on your composter)

Old flowers and weeds

Cardboard / scrunched up paper

Grass cuttings / hedge clippingsSmall twigs

Fresh leaves Dead leaves

Need a compost bin? Recycle Devon has partnered with GetComposting. com to offer home compost bins at special prices for Devon residents, including an additional Buy One Get One Half Price offer on all Blackwall Compost bins.

A great opportunity to team up with a friend or neighbour to save some money!

The Blackwall 220L or 330L compost bin transforms kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for the garden. Voted best “BUDGET BUY” in Gardeners’ World Magazine, it’s the UK’s best-selling home compost bin.

If you’re looking to compost all food waste at home, the Green Johanna 330L compost bin, recycles garden and food waste including cooked food, bones, meat and fish into natural, organic compost.

Low cost home compost bins, together with a range of water butts and additional accessories can be ordered via www.getcomposting.com

For a step-by-step guide on how to compost and other useful tips for the garden, visit www.recycledevon.org

GARDENING BUILDS FRIENDSHIPS AND STRENGTHENS BONDS AT KENWITH CASTLE

As the spring season heads towards summer, Kenwith Castle care home residents are enjoying gardening activities to produce an extravaganza of natural colours in and outside the care home.

Kenwith Castle, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care to residents in the Abbotsham-based home. A dedicated activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships, which can include crafts, live entertainment, games and baking.

However, an activity that always proves popular with residents is the gardening club. To welcome the spring season, residents have gathered to plant a range of fruit, vegetables and flower seeds, which will be placed on sunny windowsills to germinate. It will then soon be time for the seedlings to be transferred into the care home’s raised flower beds, sparking residents’ memories of gardening with their own families in years gone by.

It is a great mood booster as members of the Kenwith Castle Gardening Club enjoy some gentle exercise including light stretching, lifting, and digging, while chatting with their friends, the care home team and visiting family members. Whether planting seeds in the spring, harvesting tomatoes in summer, or simply enjoying a cup of tea amongst the flowers, the gardening activities offer countless opportunities for interaction and companionship.

The garden at Kenwith Castle has been designed to offer a sensory space for residents, including those living with dementia or a sensory impairment. Scents from sweet peas, lavender and roses can stimulate memories, whilst

the sense of touch can be stimulated through tree bark and grasses, and residents can hear a host of sounds from bees and birds who visit the garden.

The care home benefits from expansive landscaped grounds featuring a picturesque lake with stunning countryside views offering a quiet place for a moment of reflection.

The garden features wide, flat walkways and raised flower beds to make them accessible to everyone, with plenty of outdoor seating areas and benches to enjoy some quiet time. It’s also the perfect setting for residents to enjoy a host of garden parties and barbecues to make the most

of the sunnier weather, with friends and families always encouraged to join in the fun.

The grounds are also home to assisted-living bungalows, Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows, as well as The Pavilion, which offers a meeting place for residents to get together for a range of events.

The Kenwith Castle care home team host their own ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ session every week from 2pm to 4pm for visitors to enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere over coffee and cake. There is no need to book - just drop in on the day.

Scan the QR code to find out more about living at Kenwith Castle and meet the Home Manager.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

More letters containing thoughts, views and opinions from Country Gardener readers. If you want to air your views email us at editorial@countrygardener.co.uk

Three tips from my dad

I enjoy your magazine and in particular the rapport you seem to have with your readers. I thought I would add I worked closely with my dad who gardened our plot in our home just outside Minehead for many years. He also had an allotment which kept him very busy specially in retirement. He had three rules which he believed to be key to gardening. In fact, what he meant I think was highlighting three of the worst errors a gardener could make. They were he said planting too much, planting too soon (or too late) and planting in just any old soil without proper preparation. Three rules true today I guess.

Archie Naylor Minehead

Cutting back on lawns

Seed swop event was a sensation

I attended a fantastic event a few weeks ago which has inspired me to write to you. It was the Bristol seed swop event which took place on a Sunday afternoon and was dedicated to get people to learn more about seeds but more importantly to exchange seeds and share ideas about food growing. There were seed tables where you could pick up what you need. The seeds were donated by gardeners who had left over seeds in packets or even full packets. There was even a stall helping gardeners to grow and save rare seeds for the Bristol community. I came away inspired, determined not to waste seeds and committed to saving my own seeds this season and coming back next year to allow other people to enjoy what I have grown. A lovely event which perhaps should be happening more.

Trinny Davies Bristol

Since the launch of No-Mow Month campaigns, which experts seem now suggest may do more harm than good, I was happy to read a more science-based article which suggested reducing the size of your lawn.

This campaign is unlike most of the current anti-lawn/lawn reduction messaging, which tells us to make extreme changes – removing all the turf and replacing it with some kind of meadow or native plants. Meadows aren’t for everyone or everywhere, and native plants can involve a lot of cost. Instead, I started with a smaller, easier and more acceptable step – creating an island bed in the middle of the lawn which we filled with full-grown plants from our crowded garden. The island is crescent-shaped and would fully enclose the trees that are currently surrounded by grass, growing right up to the trunk. Bad for trees!

Ian Davies Portishead

WE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE BY BUYING PEAT FREE

Peat-free April encourages us gardeners to do one easy thing for our environment and ditch the use of peat. But we can make a real difference to the fate of the threatened peatlands - and all we need to do is make sure that when we pick up a bag of compost, or a new plant that it says peat-free on the label. And if it doesn’t, don’t buy it. Simple huh?

More and more retailers are making the switch to peat-free (there is an official ban on the use of peat in horticulture on the horizon, but it’s yet to materialise) and the more we make our desire for peat-free known the faster the market will react.

Franny Walker Burnham

Houseplants can help with mould

I wonder if your readers know that some houseplants can help keep springtime mould at bay. Our house suffers badly from mould. Rising temperatures after lots of rain lead to increased humidity and that’s where the problem starts, creating the perfect conditions for mould. Next to taking measures like opening windows to improve airflow and drying the washing outside, houseplants can help. The foliage of English ivy allows it to trap airborne particles, such as mould spores. It’s also great at absorbing excess moisture in the air. Ivy did its job for us on a windowsill where the plant absorbed the sunlight and protecting newish curtains from catching mould. Peace Lily is a pretty plant which thrives in high humidity and low levels of sunlight, and it is the perfect plant to keep in dark and damp environments like bathrooms.

Tonya Fletcher Plymouth

GROWING FULLER DAHLIA BLOOMS?

I enjoyed one reader's passionate words about dahlias (Country Gardener, April). She is right. These vibrant blooms, command attention in any setting with their impressive flower heads spanning every hue from delicate buttery yellows to deep, rich burgundies. There is is however a trick to growing them. It can be difficult to convince new dahlia grower friends about the benefits of pinching, yet this practice encourages the plant to develop fuller blooms. When your dahlia reaches approximately a foot in height, you should pinch off the crown bloom. This action allows the plant to produce additional laterals and flowers.

Christine Fuller Bournemouth

Birthday card messages I agree with

My two granddaughters treated me this week to two garden themed birthday cards, each which had a message for me which I loved. One had the words: ‘With a few flowers in my garden, a few pictures and some books, I live without envy’.

The other more basic: ’I am not ageing, I just need repotting’. Both sentiments I agree with.

Angela Hoole Dartmouth

How I saved my old apple trees

I am very pleased with myself after attending a tree pruning class run at my local garden centre which helped me go the rescue of some ill apple trees which my husband wanted to cut down. I’m so thrilled that even this early in the season they look much healthier. Apple trees can live to be 100 years, but they reach their prime at around 25 years. Pruning an old tree I now realise will lead to higher yields and much better quality fruit, but your tree is still old.

It was all straightforward. Remove all dead wood and diseased branches. All diseased and insect-infested wood is burned to prevent reinfestation. Coat cutting tools with bleach between cuttings to help prevent reinfestations. Then get air into the tree by improving the shape. Take weeds away from the base of the trunk and put in loads of mulch. Easy, peasy!

Daphne Richardson Torquay

JOBS IN THE May garden

May marks the switch into summer. Everywhere things in the gardening will be coming to life. Don’t be in a rush to move patio pots and hanging baskets outside though. Check when the last frost date is in your area as you can safely move tender plants outdoors after this. The same goes for tender veg, such as courgettes and sweetcorn. May is the month where the cooler, wetter days of spring have ended. The temperature is rising, and the warmth of summer is just around the corner.

Stake and care for perennials

May is the time to get going with perennials as the ground is warm and they’ll start growing more quickly. Only plant out the ones that can stand a little frost, but if your garden is generally frost-free, tender plants such as dahlias can be put out too.

Keep mulching before the plants grow too much and you can still get in between them and see what you’re doing.

Stay on top of the weeds if you can. A quick hoe once a week will keep them at bay and will mean they don’t compete for water, light, or nutrients with the plants you want to grow.

Buy extra plants if you need an easy fix. Little plugs of sweet peas are handy for slotting into any spot where they’ll have something to climb up and will give enormous joy as the year goes on.

Perennials put on a lot of growth in May, so keep an eye on your plants and tie them in to supports as they grow, or you can insert ready-made supports around them. Doing so will save any heartbreak later down the line when windy weather could snap the stems before they come into flower.

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Water anything newly planted

Any veg or flowers planted this spring will need regular watering while it settles in and puts down roots into the soil, especially during dry weather. This also applies to any new turf you may have laid.

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Feed and deadhead tulips

You can encourage your tulips to flower again next year by feeding them with tomato feed and removing any flowers that have faded. Bulbs in pots are best removed from the pots after they have finished, and then replanted deeply (around 15cm deep) in the border. Ones that are left in their pots tend to produce lots of small bulbs that produce leaves, rather than flowers, in their second year.

May is the month where strawberries flower and the fruit begins to form which can make a tempting feast for slugs, birds and squirrels! To protect the young fruit, add a layer of net over the plants; if you have a lot of squirrels visiting your garden, wire mesh makes a sturdier barrier. You’ll also want to protect the new fruit from the mud to prevent it from rotting; using mulch is the perfect way to do this. The most common type of mulch for strawberries is straw; place this on top of the soil around the plant.

Feed raspberry plants

May is a good time to feed raspberry plants as it’ll help to encourage flowering and healthy leaf growth. Floricane types (summer fruiting) respond well to tomato feed, such as Big Tom, on a weekly basis. Primocane raspberry varieties (autumn fruiting) will prefer a high nitrogen food such as sulphate of ammonia, to encourage healthy canes and leaves.

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Sow a wildflower patch

This is a good time to sow a wildflower patch or meadow if you have the room. Just make sure any seed mix you get is right for your soil and conditions – usually they are mixtures of less vigorous grasses and lovely wildflowers such as poppies, vetch, daisies and yellow rattle.

You don’t need a huge garden to do this, just a few square metres, and you may even want to turn over all your lawn to wildflowers. It’s much better for wildlife and is also quite low maintenance. Leave the meadow to flower and seed, then cut back in late summer.

Get climbers growing

Secure any stems of clematis, roses, honeysuckle, or other climbing plants that are looking a little unstable. This will prevent harsh winds snapping them to make sure you can still enjoy your vertical displays when flowers blossom.

Prune early flowering clematis as the blooms fade. If your climbers have got too big for patch or pots, grab some secateurs and prune the stems above the leaf joint to maintain neatness.

Secure beautiful summer scents by planting sweet pea seedlings somewhere with plenty of sun. Use a trellis, wigwam or other method of support to help them weave up and look their best. If you didn’t manage to sow seeds earlier on in the year, buy some ready-grown plants.

Mulch strawberries

Sow seeds outdoors

Plant courgettes and marrows

These versatile vegetables are ready to plant into the ground in May. Prepare the soil by digging a hole around 30cm deep and 30cm wide for each plant (leave a 1m space between the holes); dig in plenty of home grown compost to improve the soil. If no frosts are predicted, you can plant out the marrow and courgette plants, but before you do, you’ll need to harden off the plants. Once in the ground, it’s a good idea to cover the plants with fleece to protect them from wind, until they’re established.

Wondering what you can be confident about plant in May? If you plan on growing runner beans from seed, now’s the time to start planting them in the garden. When preparing the trenches, add supports so that the plants can grow up them. It’s worth adding a few extra seeds around each support just in case hungry pests eat any of the seedlings. As the seedlings begin to grow, thin out the weakest ones to allow the healthier, stronger ones to harness the nutrients in the soil.

Sweetcorn seeds can also be planted now; choose a warmish, sheltered site for these as sweetcorn are relatively delicate when growing. Always plant the sweetcorn in blocks of at least 12 plants as this vegetable is wind pollinated.

Hanging Baskets need to be ready

If your hanging baskets aren’t yet prepared and waiting patiently in your greenhouse, plant them up with pre-grown live plants or plugs you’ve grown on yourself. Here’s how:

Fill your basket three quarter full with compost and make holes in the compost for your plug plants.

Water and then hang up in pride of place! 8

Put the rootballs in the holes and add several scoops of feed containing waterabsorbing crystals and slow-release fertiliser.

Cover the top of the rootball with compost and use your hands to gently firm up the soil around it so it’s nice and secure.

Last chance jobs

Bulbs to plant in May

With the summer nearly upon us, if you haven’t finished planting your summer flowering bulbs such as dahlia’s and gladioli, this is really the last opportunity you’ll have. Check that your bulbs are healthy and throw away any that are rotting or soft to the touch.

Sow half-hardy annuals

There’s still time to sow hardy annual seeds such as sunflowers directly where you want them to flower. Prepare the ground by removing all the weeds in the area so that the young seedlings don’t have to compete against the weeds. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 10 9 11

THE GARDENING socialite

by Vivienne Lewis

Lindsay - the socialite who learnt to get her hands dirty in the sumptuous often romantic gardens she helped to create

She was an upper-class socialite who enjoyed the leisurely life, but who became a hands-on garden designer when her life and circumstances changed abruptly, facing financial ruin after the collapse of her marriage.

Norah Lindsay was born Norah Bourke in India on 26th April 1873, a child of Empire, at the hill station of Ootacamund, known as Ooty, in the Nilgiris district of the state of Tamil Nadu, founded as a Raj summer resort. Her father was an army Major, brother of a Viceroy of India, her mother from another upperclass military family. But the family returned to England and her father started on a civilian career with the family investment company.

Life was a social whirl for the society beauty and her well-connected family. In 1895 she married Henry Lindsay who had shown prowess as an army officer in India, and on their wedding his uncle Lord Wantage gave the couple the Tudor manor house of Sutton Courtenay and its estate by the Thames in Oxfordshire - the home that would start Norah off towards her future career in horticulture.

She created a sumptuous romantic garden in the naturalistic style of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll at Sutton Courtenay, formal and wild gardens, with a square pool, a rose garden and an enclosed Persian garden, and it became a centre for society friends and family.

But financial and marital problems were made worse by the First World War, when Norah was left to struggle frugally with their children Nancy and Peter for long periods while Harry Lindsay was back in the army. Parts of the Sutton Courtenay estate were sold off in 1920, but not the manor house. After 20 years the marriage ended in divorce and Norah was left almost penniless in the mid-1920s.

With her charm and determination, she used her gardening skills and social connections to make a new life for herself as a garden designer. The beautiful garden she had created at Sutton Courtenay with only an old gardener and a couple of labourers was her showroom from where she travelled to other people’s gardens at home and

Norah

Mottisfont Abbey where spring bulbs and summer bedding were popular plantings

Norah Lindsay used her gardening skills and social connections to make a new life for herself as a garden designer

abroad and made amazingly grand designs, atmospheric borders and terraces with her instinctive skill and horticultural knowledge honed at Sutton Courtenay which was featured in Country Life magazine in May 1931.

She was paid a retainer by her clients, surviving on their hospitality. One of her earliest clients was Sir Philip Sassoon, cousin of the war poet Siegfried Sassoon, at Trent Park in Hertfordshire. Between 1927 and 1936 she worked on the high summer-blooming double herbaceous borders, the Long Borders, the front entrance, loggia, and the terraces. Her famous clients included the future Edward VIII when he was Prince of Wales. At Fort Belvedere in Berkshire, she planted the herbaceous border along the battlement wall, around the lily pool, the iris walk, planted shrubs along the tennis court and established wild woodland plantings.

Norah Lindsay’s advice was sought by Lawrence Johnston, the owner of Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire, now a National Trust property. They worked very closely together on the planning and planting of the garden. She did not design any part of Hidcote’s garden but advised ‘Johnny’ as she called him and did the same at his home in the south of France, Serre de la Madone where she often stayed. Mottisfont Abbey’s garden was another project for Norah Lindsay. In 1934 Gilbert Russell, a great-grandson of the sixth Duke of Bedford, bought the property and made major alterations to the garden commissioning the garden designer Geoffrey Jellicoe as well as Norah. She worked on the parterre garden and herbaceous plantings in the walled garden between 1935 and 1941. On the level ground within the U-shape formed by the wings of the house, Norah designed a box-edged parterre in 1938, planted within the hedges with spring bulbs and summer bedding schemes.

Norah Lindsay advised in the early 1930s on the design and planting at Cothay Manor, the home of Col. Reginald Cooper at Greenway a few miles south of Taunton, who was a family friend. Mells Manor House in Somerset was one of her earliest projects - designing the herbaceous gardens, with its shrubs and roses. She wrote of her frustration with the old gardener at Mells where she tried to “counteract the lethargy” of a gardener “who had been there since the days of Noah” - Norah wrote wonderfully descriptive letters to friends about her gardening life.

She was known for working long hours on her projects, getting up early and working with the gardeners all day, digging beds and planting. Long double borders separated by lawns were one of her pet schemes. She often used large patches of blue meconopsis in her border designs but also created hot borders with fiery accent plants. She also loved to design and plant water gardens, and liked to insert topiary into her informal designs, adding structure and contrast. Hers was not a ‘tidy’ style of gardening and was happy to let seedlings grow.

One can think of connections between the 20th century famous women of horticulture in England - Norah had read Gertrude Jekyll’s gardening books and was influenced by them; she knew the formidable plantswoman Ellen Willmott and apparently, they got on well.

Willmott was not a designer but the garden at her family home, Warley Place in Essex was developed by her and like Lawrence Johnston she was a great sponsor of plant hunting expeditions to China and elsewhere. Vita Sackville-West was also a lifelong friend. Norah Lindsay died of kidney cancer in 1948. The Manor House, Sutton Courtenay was sold by the Lindsay family in 1945 to newspaper owner David Astor; he lived there until his death in 2001. Norah’s daughter Nancy also became a garden designer and when he died in 1958 Lawrence Johnston left his garden in the south of France to Nancy Lindsay.

It is a pity that Norah Lindsay who was a brilliant conversationalist by all accounts, who charmed so many people and had an enormous list of rich clients, who worked hard on her garden and other peoples, and was not a social butterfly, did not write a memoir. She did write for Country Life and other magazines, but a memoir would have cemented her place in the annals of horticulture. The gardens and areas of great gardens that she helped create and influence are her epitaph, Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire, parts of Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire, Blickling Manor in Norfolk and Cliveden in Berkshire. To find out more about the life of Norah Lindsay, Allyson Hayward’s biography ‘Nora Lindsay: the Life and Art of a Garden Designer’ published in 2007 is a good read, with copious archival photographs and more recent photos of some of the gardens she worked on.

Some of the gardens that Norah Lindsay contributed to:

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

Cliveden, Berkshire

Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire

Firle Place, Sussex

Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire

Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire

Mells Manor House, Somerset

Port Lympne, Kent

Rotherfield Park, Hampshire

Trent Park, Hertfordshire

Gleneagles Hotel, Perth and Kinross, Scotland

...the list goes on and includes several in France and Italy

Clockwise from top left: Cliveden in Berkshire, formerly home of the Astor family; Hidcote Manor where Norah worked closely with owner Lawrence Johnston; Norah known for working very long hours on her projects; Mottisfont Abbey where Norah designed a famous parterre garden; Blicking Hall in Norfolk

THE MAGIC of visiting gardens in May

It is no wonder that writers and poets find so much to write about English gardens in May. They have a beauty which could be seen to be difficult to capture in words.

It is more than just the colours and scents of flowers and blossom, it’s the freshness combined with the joy of seeing the end of winter.

The great British summer is well and truly with us and with it comes that time of the year for gardeners and garden lovers when there really isn’t enough time in the diary to see and do everything. May sees the gardening season in first gear with gardens, enjoying some of the best display conditions of the year. It is also time for the great garden days opening for various well-deserved charities from small villages gardens to their grander more baronial versions. And then there’s the great plant and garden fairs which are both so popular and often one the first things to go in any diary of must-see events. Here’s a few dates and venues to make sure you don’t miss out on.

Kelmscott Manor bursting with charm and style

Kelmscott Manor was the iconic country home of William Morris; father of the Arts and Crafts movement. Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection which spans over 300 years and reflects the lives, ideas, and creative legacy of those who lived and stayed there. The domestic charm and ambience of the house is still retained and having influenced Pre-Raphaelite art and design and the Arts & Crafts Movement, its legacy still very much treasured today. Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting riverside gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred yards away.

For more information visit kelmscottmanor.org.uk Tel: 01367 252486 Kelmscott Manor Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ

Colour, colour everywhere at Marwood Hill

Colour is everywhere this month - the spring flowering shrubs are in full bloom with carpets of bluebells covering the ground. The start of the candelabra primulas is a welcome sight around the lakes and stream providing a whole kaleidoscope of colours, and if you look carefully, you can even see the pocket handkerchief tree in flower.

Colour and scent as May arrives at Hartland Abbey

May is a very special month to visit Hartland Abbey. Not only are the woodland gardens filled with rhododendrons and azaleas, gunneras and tree ferns are emerging rapidly and the Walled Gardens sparkle! Filled with colour and scent they are a wonderful, peaceful place to relax in the shelter of the walls. The summerhouse overlooking the gardens is a refuge in inclement weather! But for the energetic the foxgloves on the walk to the beach and the cliff flowers are a memorable sight. The abbey is a welcoming family home filled with interest to make a full day out in an ancient river valley with delicious eats in the café. A great day out for group visits too!

Hartland Abbey, Hartland, Stoke, Bideford EX39 6DT Tel: 01237 441496 www.hartlandabbey.com

Two charity garden openings at Fonthill House

Steeped in history, the Fonthill Estate has been owned by the Morrison family since 1830. You’ll be able to discover everything about it (as well as meeting the current Lord Margadale) if you visit on what promises to be two fantastic afternoons when the gardens to the house will be open in aid of two amazing charities, both of whom fully deserve all the support they can get.

The dates are Sunday 27th April in aid of the incredible charity, Salisbury Hospice, www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk and Sunday 8th June in aid of an inspiring charity, the Lady Garden Foundation www.ladygardenfoundation.com

You can wander around the gardens, admire the no dig kitchen garden, browse through stalls, eat delicious food from the refreshments tent, and even have a glass of wine with your lunch. The gardeners will also be on hand to answer any questions. Do make a note of the dates in your diaries. Further details for ticket prices and times, please visit www.fonthill.co.uk/gardens/ Fonthill House, nr Tisbury, Salisbury, SP3 5SA

The most spectacular view this month must be the Wisteria Arch which is draped with the colourful racemes of flowers from the 12 different forms with blue, lilac, pink and white flowers creating a tunnel of magic that is a sight to behold. It also provides a wonderful entrance to the tearoom where you can enjoy a delicious homemade cream tea with the speciality ginger scones. All meals and cakes are homemade on site and are fresh and tasty. The plant nursery is also full of colourful interesting plants -virtually all propagated from plants in the gardens including some unusual and rare ones unique to the gardens at Marwood! Marwood Hill Gardens, Nr Guineaford, Barnstaple, North Devon EX31 4EA Tel: 01271 342 528 Email: info@marwoodhillgarden.co.uk www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk

June

49th Cerne Abbas Open Gardens

About 25 Private Gardens Open 14th & 15th June, 2-6pm Day ticket to all gardens £8 Ticket for 2 days £10 Accompanied children free Plant Stall Free Car Park (DT2 7GD) from 1pm Teas from 1pm Equal proceeds to: Cerne Valley Cricket Club & Dorset Wildlife Trust

Keep up to date: www.cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk

We produce and grow the largest selection available in the UK. Plants are pot grown and suitable for garden, patio or bonsai.

Visitors welcome Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Barthelemy & Co (DCG), 262 Wimborne Rd West, Stapehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2DZ

Tel: 01202 874283

enquiries@barthelemymaples.co.uk www.barthelemymaples.co.uk

NGS May gardens make great places to gather

The days are getting warmer and longer and with summer on its way what could be more lovely than an afternoon out in a beautiful garden. National Garden Scheme gardens are the perfect place to gather with friends and family or to enjoy alone, and you’ll be assured of a warm welcome and delicious refreshments. There are hundreds of wonderful National Garden Scheme gardens for you to explore this month with many of the gardens offering a By Arrangement option in addition to their scheduled opening dates, where you can call the garden owner and organise an exclusive visit for you and your friends or a group at a time that suits you all. Go to ngs.org.uk and find your perfect garden.

Elkstone Village Gardens Open Day

On Sunday 22nd June from 2pm to 6pm, the historic Cotswold village of Elkstone comes to life in a special way allowing visitors to see parts of it not accessible to the casual visitor. Amble through lovely, and varied, private gardens and enjoy the special village atmosphere. Relax with cream teas, homemade cakes or ice creams. The Grade 1 listed Norman church, the highest in the Cotswolds, will be made extra special with glorious flower displays. Hear its wonderful peal of bells ring out and a community choir singing. The churchyard has various environmental initiatives including the wildflower coronation meadow, bug houses installed to encourage wildlife and the environmentally friendly loo! Visit the plant stalls to take back a reminder of a special day. All proceeds from the event go towards the upkeep of the church and village hall. For further information contact admin@elkstonevillage.com

Badminton House at its most vibrant

Visitors can experience the vibrant beauty of summer at Badminton Estate’s Open Garden Day on Sunday 15th June.

They will be able to explore the historic Badminton House gardens, featuring formal beds designed by Russell Page, alongside the South Garden’s water squares, hedges, and borders. Enjoy stunning rose displays and soft summer colours, with perennials, campanulas, penstemons, geraniums, and phlox. Then take a visit to the Walled Garden, home to the estate’s kitchen garden and beautiful wisteria walkway. Enhance your day with plant stalls, delicious food and drink vendors, and pop in to see the exhibition A Garden of Botanical Art in the Old Hall.

Gates opens at 10 am, with the last entry at 4 pm. Pre-sale tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for seniors (60+), with gate prices at £14 and £11. Free entry for carers and children under 12. Proceeds support the Severn Area Rescue Association and the Church Restoration Fund. For directions, parking, and accessibility details, visit www.badmintonestate.com

Barthelemy & Co – ready to show off Japanese maples

Barthelemy & Co near Wimborne in Dorset was established by a French nurseryman almost a century ago and the Skinner family now specialise in propagating and growing acer palmatum – or Japanese maples as they’re known.

Throughout spring, summer and autumn the delicate foliage of the acer presents exquisite shadings of Mother Nature’s gold, pink, purple, green, yellow, orange and red. Acers are a delightful addition to anyone’s garden, giving an aura of peace and tranquillity. The ten-acre nursery at Stapehill has a huge collection of Japanese maples to choose from and expert staff are on hand to help select the right variety and to offer advice. Over 100,000 acers are produced at Barthelemy and Co every year approximately 10,000 - 12,000 of them are grafted named palmatum varieties, as one of the largest specialist growers of their kind. Barthelemy & Co, 262 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2DZ Tel: 01202 874283 www.barthelemymaples.co.uk

Plant fair at Athelhampton House

This year there will be three more specialist fairs in Dorset, organised by Plant Heritage. The first is on Sunday 11th May at Athelhampton House just off the A35, near Puddletown. This beautiful venue is on the large west lawn of an impressive Tudor Mansion House, adjacent to its large Dovecote, formal gardens & the picturesque River Piddle. It’s an ideal event to buy spring and early summerflowering perennials and shrubs, plus Lavenders, Alpines and a few exotics. Many are grown within 20 miles of the Fair, one very large stall features plants grown by Plant Heritage members, including National Collection Holders & Plant Guardians – an ideal opportunity to buy something different at very reasonable prices. Plant Fair open 10am – 3pm, Gardens remain open until 5pm (included in the admission). Bring cash/cards for plant purchases. Free parking. EV charging points available. If you wish to book Sunday lunch or a tour of the house (additional charge), contact the venue direct.

Tel: 01305 848363 Athelhampton House, DT2 7LG.

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Visit this stunning family home with its fascinating collections and exhibitions

Beautiful walled and woodland gardens. Wildflower walks to the beach. Enjoy our ‘William Stukeley – Saviour of Stonehenge’ exhibition. See where Enid Blyton’s ‘Malory Towers’ is filmed.

* Dogs really welcome * Holiday Cottages * * Delicious light lunches & cream teas * House, Gardens etc and Café open until 2nd October Sunday to Thursday 11am - 5pm (House 2pm - 5pm last adm 3.45pm)

For more information and special events see www.hartlandabbey.com Hartland, Nr. Bideford EX39 6DT 01237441496/234

24 acres of Rare Shrubs, Trees, Pools & Waterfalls

Home-made soups & cakes

Sunday 16th March to Sunday 8th June, Suns, Weds, Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm

Harford

FONTHILL HOUSE

Fonthill House, Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 5SA SAVE THE DATES

2025 Charity Garden Openings To Which You Are Warmly Welcomed:

SUNDAY 27TH APRIL

Fonthill House garden opening in aid of Salisbury Hospice (12pm – 5pm)

SUNDAY 8TH JUNE

Fonthill House garden opening in aid of the Lady Garden Foundation (12pm – 5pm) Stalls, ice cream van, wine stall and refreshments. Do bring well behaved dogs on leads. Unfortunately there is restricted access in the gardens for wheelchairs.

Further details & prices for entry can be obtained from our website www.fonthill.co.uk/gardens

WELL BEHAVED DOGS ON LEADS WELCOME

Nestled in the heart of North Devon, Marwood Hill Garden

is

a hidden gem

Home to four National Plant Heritage collections, this private valley garden spans over 20-acres and showcases three stunning lakes, rare trees & shrubs, and colourful surprises throughout each season. Not only a haven for wildlife, the garden is also the perfect environment to explore and be inspired. Enjoy a day of inspirational and relaxation for the whole family.

Catch up over coffee and homemade cake or

Enquiries & Tea Room 01271 342528 Plant Sales & Nursery 01271 342577 e info@marwoodhillgarden.co.uk w marwoodhillgarden.co.uk Marwood Hill Gardens, Marwood, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4EA Tea Room &

picturesque

Walled Garden Nursery

GARDENS & TEAROOM

Open every Friday 2pm - 5.30pm from 2nd May to 26th September

Also last weekend in May & August Bank Holiday weekend - Sat, Sun & Mon GARDENS: adult £6, child £1

CADHAY, OTTERY ST. MARY, DEVON, EX11 1QT 01404 813511 www.cadhay.org.uk Member of Historic Houses

May Fairs

11th May

Salthrop House, Wroughton, Nr. Swindon SN4 9QP 18th May American Museum and Gardens, Bath BA2 7BD 25th May

Kingston Bagpuize House, Abingdon, OX13 5AX

www.rareplantfair.co.uk

Please visit our website for full details of admission fees and times of opening.

Chawton

House celebrates a special 250th anniversary

Chawton House is celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary this year! Jane Austen was a frequent visitor to the estate, and some believe Mr Knightley’s Donwell Abbey in Austen’s Emma was modelled upon Chawton House. The Gardens represent 300 years of garden history, up a Lutyens-inspired Library Terrace to the Upper Terrace with sweeping views across a Capability Brown-esque landscape and out to the parkland, where visitors can walk in Austen’s footsteps. The South Lawn leads to a lime avenue and into a 17th century restored Wilderness. At the highest point of the grounds is the Walled Garden, built by Jane’s brother Edward Austen in 1819, with a herbal, kitchen and rose garden. The gardens are a delightful place to explore throughout all seasons with a coffee in hand from the Tea Shed or after a lunch from the Old Kitchen Tearoom. Chawton House, Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ Visit www.chawtonhouse.org for more information!

Three exciting Rare Plant Fairs in May

Following on from a very busy start to the new season, the programme of specialist plant fairs continues in May with three great events for gardeners. The first is set in the gardens of Salthrop House, the home of designer Sophie Conran, at Wroughton, near Swindon, on Sunday, May 11th. This is followed by the second event set in the unique grounds of the American Museum and Gardens, in Bath, on Sunday, May 18th, followed by the largest Fair at Kingston Bagpuize House, near Abingdon, on Sunday, May 25th, in support of local charities SeeSaw and Riding for the Disabled. There will be a great selection of specialist nurseries attending all of the fairs, including a number of National Plant Collection holders, all experts in the plants that they grow. There will be a wide range of interesting and unusual plants for sale, including choice perennials, plants for shade, rare climbers, alpines, cacti and succulents, herbs and edibles and a great selection of unusual shrubs, all accompanied by the expert advice that you need to select and grow the right plants for your garden

There are 13 fairs this year. Visit the website at www.rareplantfair.co.uk for full details of all the events, including lists of the exhibitors attending.

New Symondsbury estate May fair

The Plant Fair season is shaping up to be an exhilarating experience for the team behind the Specialist Plant Fairs. Following the success of their first three fairs, they are gearing up for an exciting May including a brand-new event on Thursday, May 8th, at the stunning Symondsbury Estate. This year’s Walled Garden at Moreton Plant Fair promises to be even more impressive, featuring an expanded line-up of talks, guided tours, hands-on workshops, and a carefully curated selection of artisan and gardenrelated craft stalls.

If you have a passion for plants and gardens, don’t miss these Plant Fairs, where you will discover a wide selection of top-quality nurseries. For more information, visit www.plantfairs.com

Twenty five gardens prepare for Cerne Abbas Open Gardens day

Cerne Abbas’s Annual Gardens will take place from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June. Some 25 gardens will be open around the ancient village covering a whole range of sizes and styles. The gardeners will be available to answer your questions and share their love of their gardens. Entrance to all gardens is by a map which also serves as a single day ticket, £8 for adults, accompanied under 16s are free. A few gardens are accessible by wheelchairs and most gardens accept well behaved dogs on leads. There is a well-regarded plant stall and home-made teas are provided by the local Youth Club, both commencing at 1pm. Almost all gardens are within easy walking distance of the free car park and are located on the maps. The proceeds will be divided between our Cerne Valley Cricket Club and The Dorset Wildlife Trust.

American Museum and Gardens

Photo: Peter Hall

Country Gardener

PLANT

GARDEN

Plant Fairs open 10am – 3pm

Admission includes entry to the gardens 10am-5pm. Free to all Plant Heritage Members

Many specialist nurseries and growers, large selection of garden stalls plus craft & wildlife stalls. Quality refreshments and food. Italian Coffee Stall. Free parking Proceeds support Plant Conservation & Education in Dorset www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk/events www.athelhampton.com www.plantheritagedorset.org.uk

Lukesland offers something for everyone during May Lukesland Gardens, just 10 minutes off the A38 in a hidden valley a mile north of Ivybridge, offers 24 acres of colourful and memorable delights for all ages in May. Early on, brilliant banks of azaleas and rhododendrons are luminous against the new green of the beech trees and fill the air with exotic perfumes. Wild blue bells and campions abound by a pretty Dartmoor stream, criss-crossed by many picturesque bridges. Later in the month Lukesland’s well-loved handkerchief trees are spectacular, with their white bracts fluttering in the breeze. Everyone can enjoy home-made soup and cakes in the Victorian tea-room. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Open Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays from 11am to 5pm until 8th June. Adults £9, £8.50 if arriving on foot or horseback. For details visit www.lukesland.co.uk or www.facebook.com/lukeslandgardens or call 01752 691749. Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge PL21 0JF

Bishop’s Palace Gardens set to host summer full of events

The hugely popular Somerset gardens at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells are again preparing for one of their busiest summers. The 14 acres of tranquil gardens in the heart of medieval Wells will be hosting a series of spring and summer events for the family. The focus of course remains the stunning, gardens in the heart of Wells. One of the individual highlights comes with the Bishop’s Palace Garden and Country Fair which takes place on Saturday, May 25th and is one of the biggest early season events. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a family day out, the fair offers something for everyone and the day has become a regular in the calendar in recent years. Over the years the gardens have changed as successive bishops have added their legacy and today these gardens have Grade II listed garden status due to their historic nature. In 2016, the gardens were acknowledged by the Royal Horticultural Society, by being made a “Partner Garden”. Entry is free most Fridays to RHS members with starred cards. This offer is not valid on certain event days so please check the website for details where you can slo find details of all the summer events being held there.

Bishop’s Palace and Gardens , Wells, BA5 2PD www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Royal Bath & West returns with fresh ideas and old favourites

The Royal Bath & West Show returns on Thursday, 29th May for a three-day spectacle. Visitors will see some exciting new as well as plenty of old favourites at the show which is sone of the regions highlights in the calendar. Exciting plans are also in place for the horticulture area so gardening will be a key theme. Including a new competition Pocket Plots with the chance for both schools and adults to create a sustainable organic and vegetable fruit plot sponsored by Monkton Elm Garden Centre.

The Great British Kitchen returns with a line-up of chefs providing demonstrations including LIsa Cadd, the fuss free foodie who is on a mission to create a community of foodies to eat well without the fuss. The demonstrations are free. As always, food and drink is at the heart of the show and organisers have listened to the feedback of visitors and are introducing a new Cheese Marquee packed with the best cheese the UK has to offer. The regional Food & Drink Marquee will also be overflowing with tasty treats from the local area.

The popular woodland & countryside arena, Includes the skills of the forester and woodman with the Dorset Axemen great British dogs and heavy horses are all making a welcome return, along with a full complement of livestock and equine classes. Gates open at 9am. Dogs are welcome on a lead Adult (includes 2 children aged 5-15 years for free) - £25. www.bathand west.com

Forde Abbey tulips set to delight through to May

Nothing screams spring like tulips. They come in all different shapes and sizes with their flamboyant colours and frilly flowers.

Forde Abbey plant thousands of tulips and they have chosen early mid and later flowering varieties to flower right from the beginning of April to early May. There are some carefully selected combinations in various heart-warming colours to welcome you all. A mixture of wild species have been planted in other parts of the garden to blend in harmoniously with the wildflower meadows.

The Tulip Swirl which is very popular in the gardens. Thousands of visitors come from far and wide every year to see the tulip display.

Nominated for Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year’ award, the garden is set within 30 acres of award winning gardens where you will find something of interest throughout the year. The nursery is stocked with a seasonal selection of reasonably priced herbaceous perennials, grown on site, along with helpful advice and lots of inspiration for the garden The gardens and nursery are open from 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) through to October 31st

Forde Abbey Nursery, Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU

Longing for lavender

Somerset plantsman Clive Davies has been growing lavender for over 20 years and says he never tires of it

If you’re anything like me, you probably love the sight and scent of lavender! It is a very evocative thing to grow and just reminds you of country-slow-living lifestyle.

But lavender is not just a pretty plant—this herbaceous plant offers many benefits, is relatively easy to grow, attracts beneficial insects, and adds a touch of charm to any garden.

I have been growing many varieties of lavender for more than 20 years now and I never tire of it.

Here are just some of the things I have learnt from growing this wonderful plant:

SUN, SUN AND MORE SUN

Lavender loves the sun—the more, the better! To get your plant fast growing and well established =, plant in a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Lavender can tolerate partial shade or dappled sunlight for a few hours each day, especially in hot summer climates.In semi-shade, lavender may grow more leggy and produce fewer blooms than plants grown in full sun. However, it can still thrive and give you aromatic foliage.

SANDY, DRY SOIL IS IDEAL

Lavender prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is drier and slightly alkaline in pH. If your soil is heavier, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Soil without much organic matter will encourage a higher concentration of oils and yummy scents, so mix in less organic matter and fertilizer.

Think Mediterranean sunshine and those wonderful fields of lavender in the south of France to give you a great idea of what lavender needs!

PLANTING

Dig a hole slightly larger than your lavender plant’s root ball.

Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots if tightly bound. Place the lavender plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface.

Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it firmly around the base of the plant to remove any air pockets.

Water the newly planted lavender thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

HOW TO GET THE MOST BLOOMS

We want lavender for the blooms so to get your lavender to bloom optimally, there are a few things to consider:

If your soil is too fertile, you may have fewer blooms. You can either move your

plants or add sand or gravel to aerate and reduce nutrient density.

Your lavender needs a lot of sun! If it doesn’t get enough, replant it in a different spot or into pots so you can move it around.

Pruning is also your secret weapon. After the first flush of blooms has faded, give your lavender a light trim to encourage new growth and more flowers.

MAINTENANCE

Prune lavender plants lightly after flowering to promote bushier growth and prevent woody stems. Proper pruning in early spring will encourage new growth. You can cut back taller varieties by approximately one-third of their height, and lower-growing varieties by a couple of inches or down to new growth.

Remove any dead or damaged growth regularly to keep the plants healthy and tidy.

Fertilization is generally not necessary for lavender, but if the soil is poor or lacking in nutrients, you can apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly in the spring. Be careful, as too much nitrogen can result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.

HARVESTING

Lavender blooms are at their peak right before the flowers open fully. Snip the stems just above the first set of leaves. Hang your lavender upside down in a warm, dry place to dry out completely. Once dry, you can use the fragrant blooms in sachets, potpourri, or culinary creations.

Can you grow lavender indoors?

Yes, you can grow but it requires some special considerations to thrive.

• Select lavender varieties that are well-suited for indoor growing. Some cultivars are more compact and better adapted to container cultivation, making them ideal for indoor environments. Look for varieties labelled as suitable for indoor or container growing.

• Lavender is a sun-loving plant and requires bright light to thrive indoors. Place your lavender pots near a south-facing window where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to provide adequate illumination.

• Lavender plants are susceptible to root rot if they sit in soggy soil, so it’s crucial to use a welldraining potting mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. Ensure the containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

• Lavender prefers moderate temperatures and low humidity levels. Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.

• Avoid placing lavender plants near drafty windows or heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress them. Still, ensure good air circulation around them to prevent fungal diseases.

• Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant, so it’s essential not to overwater indoor plants. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

• To keep your indoor lavender plants, compact and bushy, prune them regularly to encourage new growth and prevent legginess. Trim back any leggy or dead stems and spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.

Types of lavender

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Sometimes called by gardeners in the know true lavender, English lavender is the most widely cultivated species. Its compact growth habit, fragrant flowers, and high oil content make it ideal for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, and ‘Lady’.

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

French lavender is distinguished by its toothed or serrated leaves. It typically has a more sprawling growth habit and produces showy flower spikes topped with tufts of bracts. It is not as cold-hardy as English lavender.Common cultivars include ‘Royal Crown’ and ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’.

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Spanish lavender has unique flower heads, which feature large, colorful bracts resembling rabbit ears. The flowers are typically topped with a cluster of smaller blooms, creating a striking appearance. Spanish lavender tends to be more heat and drought-

tolerant, making it suitable for warmer climates. Popular cultivars include ‘Otto Quast’ and ‘Anouk’.

WHY YOU SHOULD GROW LAVENDER

SOOTHING FRAGRANCE

Lavender gives out a calming and soothing fragrance that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation. Simply brushing against the foliage or harvesting blooms can release the aromatic compounds, creating a tranquil atmosphere in your garden.

THE BEST POLLINATOR

Lavender is a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The abundant nectar-rich blooms provide a vital food source for these pollinators, helping to support biodiversity and the health of your garden ecosystem.

VERSATILITY

Lavender is a versatile plant with a wide range of

Lavender Q and A

What is the best month to plant lavender? when to plant lavender The best time to plant lavender depends on climate and growing conditions, but April to May is generally the ideal season for planting lavender. Here’s why: After the frost: lavender is sensitive to cold temperatures, especially new plants

What is the 8 8 8 rule for lavender?

The 888 rule dictates that you should prune on the eight day of the eighth month to about eight inches high in the centre of the plant from the ground in a mound shape . Through the last weeks of summer, the plant will put on a small amount of growth and green up into a tidy hillock of lavender.

uses. From adding a floral touch to dishes to herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and DIY projects, lavender offers endless possibilities. Dried blooms can be used in sachets, potpourri, herbal teas, or as a fragrant addition to bath and body products.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various climates and soil conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering and fertilization. Its hardy nature makes it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners or those with busy schedules.

LONG BLOOMING PERIOD

Lavender produces abundant blooms that last for an extended period, typically from late spring to early summer. The beautiful lavender-coloured flowers add colour to your garden and attract attention from humans and pollinators alike.

When not to use lavender?

Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using lavender

Does lavender keep spiders away?

Yes, lavender is believed to deter spiders due to its strong scent, which many spiders find unpleasant, and can be used as a natural deterrent by planting lavender or using lavender essential oil.

Is lavender toxic to cats?

Yes, lavender is toxic to cats, especially in the form of essential oils, due to compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that cats cannot process effectively, potentially causing digestive upset and other health issues.

Can I spray lavender oil on my bed?

Lavender oil is used to address many pest problems, and bed bugs don’t like them either. You can use it as a deterrent by spraying on your mattress. And if you find a bed bug or eggs, a direct spray will kill them. However, it is not a thorough treatment.

Why are there no bees on my lavender?

Bumble bees have longer tongues than honey bees so, this means the honey bees struggle to reach the nectar through the narrow lavender flowers.

Almost 100 stations throughout the south west are now involved in a Great Western Railways led programme involving hundreds of volunteers to bring garden beauty to the platforms

Catching a train can be a stressful thing. There’s getting to the station, and things such as will the train be on time; will I get a seat; will it get there promptly?

As only a part of their efforts to making the whole travelling experience less stressful and suggesting passengers take time to stop and pause now and again reducing stress levels, GWR has for some time now been investing in a hugely successful programme throughout the south west to bring flowers, plants and gardening to the heart of their network of stations.

The impact has been considerable and much appreciated. At the core of it are planters, flowers, vegetable growing areas, rockeries, tree planting and herb growing. There has also been room for building bird feeders, bee hotels, organising art displays and organised litter picking. The whole project operating from Penzance in the

BRINGING THE GARDENING wow factor TO RAILWAY STATIONS

west throughout Devon and up to Herefordshire and Gloucestershire is now a massively organised system.

GWR operates 197 stations and 94 of them are actively involved in the Station Adopters network where well over 300 volunteers work hard at a whole range of gardening projects.

Nicole Black is Community Impact Relationship Manager for GWR said “The idea of Station Adopters volunteers who join in and at one level help with cleaning up the stations and litter picking and then on another level bring wonderful gardening skills has been a wonderful project to be involved in.

“It is all about the community. We’ve welcomed a tremendous number of new volunteers to our stations, created stunning floral displays despite challenging weather, and hosted some fantastic art installations. Volunteers have also been actively involved in community- led activities.“

Almost every station has its own project supported by GWR who provide gardening tools, equipment and even gardening advice. They are projects which involve local schools, garden centres and scout groups.

This year will be a special one for many of the projects as they join in with celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and a commemoration of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway – a pivotal moment that not only connected people, places and ideas but changed the world.

Adds Nicole: “It’s been an incredibly productive twelve months with new volunteers joining stations for the first time and fresh faces enhancing existing groups. Engagement with young people has been particularly strong.

“This whole initiative is also all about engaging young people with our railway heritage, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that the spirit of service lives on through future generations. The enthusiasm from the Scouts has been heartwarming, and I can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us.

“The contributions from volunteers are invaluable, and we will continue to provide the funding and resources they need to make a meaningful impact in our communities”.

In their own way each project is inspirational. They range from clean-up operations and litter collecting to very specific gardening projects such as at Barnstable station where volunteers tend a larger area which can be seen from outside the station area by creating space for flowers and plants.

It includes projects including the one headed up by Paul Jupp, owner of the popular Meadow in my Garden company marketing meadow seeds whose own local station is Freshford near Bath and where a sensory garden will wow passengers with wild flowers. It follows on from a GWR funded massive planting of 22,000 spring bulbs around Freshford.

GROW FERAL GARDEN PROJECT BRINGS COLOUR AND SERENITY TO STATION

Grow Feral, is an initiative in Weston-super-Mare which has transformed a previously unused space at the local station into the Open Return Garden, a serene, colourful refuge for passengers and rail staff. Volunteers have collaborated with schools and organisations dedicated to supporting young people and adults who are neurodivergent or have physical disabilities, engaging them in activities like litter picking, building bird feeders and planting and maintaining Bee Friendly planters. Working alongside existing volunteer groups, these projects have offered participants a chance to build social skills, gain rail confidence and develop practical work experience. The project was founded by Sam Francis and Karen Barry.

YEOVIL NOW A VIBRANT AND INVITING STATION

Bob Owen, Chairman of the South Wessex Community Rail Partnership and Line Officer Chantelle Bacon, have rolled up their sleeves to enhance Yeovil Pen Mill station by planting new and refurbished train planters. The refurbishment was skilfully executed by the dedicated team at Yeovil Men’s Shed. They received support from Castle Gardens, the local garden centre, which provided discounts on plants and compost. Thanks to these efforts, the station is now looking vibrant and inviting. There is a call out to actively seek volunteers to help maintain this station. Additionally, they are in the process of acquiring a water bowser to ensure the plants remain wellhydrated. Looking ahead, there are plans to create a sensory garden for the community to enjoy.

Freshford station near Bath has seen a sensory garden of wild flowers planted by Paul Jupp of Meadow in My Garden

Over 300 volunteers get their hands dirty with hard work at almost 100 stations

YATTON STATION VOLUNTEERS WIN ACCLAIM FOR SUSTAINABLE GARDEN

For a quarter of a century, the Friends of Yatton Station have nurtured a sustainable garden, transforming the station garden into a flourishing, tranquil space. Sustainability is at the heart of the garden’s design. All green waste is composted and mulched back into the soil, improving its fertility over time. Many of their plants and shrubs are donated or grown from collected seeds. The garden is also a haven for wildlife, with most plants chosen to attract pollinators. The station is home to ashy mining bees, squirrels, slow worms and a variety of butterflies. Bird boxes and a beautifully painted bird table by local artist Damien Jeffrey provide additional habitats.

The woodland section of the garden features self-seeding ferns and foxgloves, while geraniums, sea holly and fragrant roses add colour. Recently, old garden paths were uncovered and restored using locally limestone.

The group maintains close ties with the Strawberry Line Café, a social enterprise based at the station. The café employs adults with learning disabilities, who pick flowers from the garden for table displays. Information boards around the station share its historical significance, including its connection to Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The Friends of Yatton Station have earned an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards.

TORQUAY STUDENTS PUT THEIR BACKS IN TO CLEANING UP DEVON STATIONS

Students from Combe Pafford School Sixth Form in Torquay have been contributing to the upkeep of local railway stations with their volunteer work. Each Monday, a group of students carries out tasks at Torquay station, helping to clear a large overgrown bank, clean rough surfaces and pick up litter. The Monday group has extended their litter-picking efforts to Paignton station.

On Tuesdays, another group from Combe Pafford School works at Totnes and Newton Abbot stations, focusing on litter-picking and cleaning.

The students have enjoyed their experiences, made more rewarding by free train travel to and from the stations, which has fostered their independence.

Central to the project mission is fostering community involvement. Since launching three years ago, they have collaborated with local gardeners in a community payback scheme to clear land and build raised planters, which now flourish with thriving plants.

New signage and artistic plaques guide visitors through the garden, showcasing the diverse range of edible plants and pollinators.

Grow Feral host groups such as refugees for a food-growing and cooking project, and partner with local organisations to promote a circular food economy. Regular sessions are also held for homeschooled children, offering lessons in horticulture, artistic creation for the garden, and even a rail visit to the Secret Garden project at Avonmouth station.

This summer, their garden open day attracted over 300 visitors, including representatives from local organisations and members of the community.

Stations are being added to the adopters all the time and stations included in the GWR scheme recently include:

• Barnstaple

• Bere Alston

• Bridgwater

• Cheltenham

• Chetnole

• Cholsey

• Dawlish

• Evesham

• Filton Abbey Wood

• Gloucester

• Gunnislake

• Highbridge & Burnham

• Honeybourne

• Kemble

• Lawrence Hill

• Lympstone Village

• Newton Abbot

• Parson Street

• Penmere

• Redland

Garden advice for May

The new growing season has brought with it a bumper list of questions and queries from readers. If you need any help and advice of gardening issues then email us at editorial@countrygardener.co.uk

Should you take the runners off raspberry plants and if transplanted do they stay true to the parent plant?

Linda Forster Taunton

It’s a good idea to remove raspberry suckers to keep the plants with their allotted space. If you would like to use them elsewhere in the garden or share them they can certainly be potted up and they will be true to the parent plant. When you remove the suckers try to dig down a little and get some roots. These can then be potted up at the same depth that they were growing in the ground.

Which tulips can be left in the ground? Our display in recent years has been very disappointing and expensive. I planted a clump three years ago and now there is just one single bloom waving at us.

George Radcliffe sent via email

Daffodils and snowdrops spread and multiply but that isn’t true of tulips which can be frustrating. There are two factors. One is the variety of tulip. A few tulips, such as ‘Ballerina’ and ‘Spring Green’, are good at coming back year after year and don’t need attention. Others need to be dug up and replanted the following spring.

The other tip is to plant your tulips very deep - up to 12 inches deep, which is far deeper than you would ever see on the packet and this seems to encourage their reappearance year on year.

• Saltash

• Seamills

• Shirehampton

• Stonehouse

• Stroud

• Torquay

• Totnes

• Trowbridge

• Weston-super-Mare

• Yate

Said Nicole, “We owe a heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work our volunteers do and we also know how much they enjoy it and how rewarding they find it. There’s a shared sense of anticipation as we prepare for the significant projects and changes on the horizon.”

What is the most reliable form of grafting on fruit trees. I am newly retired and have some more time on my hands and would like to give it a try.

This really needs a much more thorough answer. It really depends on what you are trying to achieve and what kind of plant material (age, size etc.) that you are working with. One of the most common methods is the whip graft which is used when grafting root stocks and scions together. This basically joins a selected variety onto a rootstock with specific attributes such as improved vigour, dwarfism. It is most effective when the plant material used are no more than half an inch in diameter. Many young, grafted plants that you buy will have been grafted in this manner. If you are hoping to have a go at grafting then the spring is the time to do it, just as the buds of the rootstock are beginning to open. It certainly needs more research on your part.

Yatton station has been transformed with a sustainable garden home to wildlife- and birdboxes

I have some rose bushes in my garden that were left by the previous owner. A couple of them seem to have flowers with very floppy stems - they’re not strong enough to hold up the flowers. Is this just a problem with the varieties I’m growing - but there are two different (unknown) ones with this problem, growing near each other - or are they short of minerals or trace elements, which would help them hold their heads up properly? They are growing on clay and I don’t cosset them but my other roses seem fine with similar unkind treatment.

Harriett Cleese Blandford

This is a common problem with roses, particularly the large flowered English Rose types. The big puffy flower heads are too heavy for the stems, particularly in wet weather. This is their normal growth habit and tends to improve as the plant matures. You can help to prop them up by inserting a few sticks discreetly around the bush to hold the growth more upright. Insufficient sun can also be a contributing factor to weak spindly growth. You can encourage stronger growth and thicker stems by pruning them back in winter by no more than a half. Don’t worry about soil type - roses grow well on clay. They are quite greedy plants however, so an application of slow release fertiliser in spring and autumn will be beneficial.

How can I use banana skins to fertilise the garden? As a family we eat a lot of bananas and I feel I should be using them more.

Andy Browne Dorchester

Bananas are great for the garden, in the soil and around plants. As the peel decomposes it releases a variety of essential minerals and fertilising elements such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium -all nutrients which are crucial for plant growth, flowering, and fruit set. Potassium to help encourage big and bright blooms; phosphorus for roots and shoots; and magnesium to help photosynthesis, the smaller you cut up the skins the quicker the goodness will get into the soil.

My father who was a very enthusiastic grower of potatoes never used to bother with chitting potatoes which seems now to be the cornerstone of advice. Is there anything to suggest going through this process does any good?

Margie Davison Dartmouth

Our Magnolia stellata looks very sick and has done for a few years now with pale looking branches and only a handful of weak flowers. At what stage should I give up on it which obviously I don’t want to do .

Martin Greene Minehead

Magnolias are notorious for going through ‘quiet’ spells where they don’t always look in the best of health which suggests your tree might be worth trying to save. It almost certainly needs feeding! First test the soil for deficiencies and feed accordingly. You could add an all-purpose, compost and also prune off any dead branches. Make sure you clear all the weeds from a wide area at the base of the tree.

I have a large Acer griseum, the paperback maple which I planted in the late 1980s and it is now more than ten metres wide and 30 ft tall. When is a good time to prune the tree. I want to remove the lower branches to raise the canopy.

Si Norton sent via email

Acer griseum should only be pruned in the dormant season soon after the leaves have dropped. If you do it any later it can bleed copiously causing die back. If you are at all unsure cut back just one branch and see if there is any bleeding. Generally, you need to remove any crossing and conflicting growth from the middle of the tree.

I have an apple tree. When we first moved here to just outside Torquay it fruited. Now for the last three years it has had blossom on it but all the leaves die and nothing comes.

Alison Howell Torquay

The problem with the leaves could be down to several things making the leaves die back. For example, curling apple leaves are often caused by pest such as aphids. Take a closer look at your tree to see if you can spot the problem. If you can find no evidence of disease or pests then aim to improve the growing conditions of your tree. Compacted soil can be critical to the health of a tree, reducing air, water and the availability of nutrients at the roots. You can improve the soil conditions by aerating the ground around the root zone. Remember the root zone may spread beyond the extent of the canopy. Follow this by spreading a thick mulch of organic matter such as well rotted manure across the area but avoid mounding it up around the trunk. Don’t try to dig it in. Just let it break down naturally to improve soil fertility and retain moisture in the soil. This may not solve the problem directly, but will certainly improve your tree’s health and vigour which will make it more resistant to pest and disease problems.

Can you tell me why my honeysuckle is not flowering?

It is on a south facing wall in very well drained sandy soil. It has plenty of foliage and is two years old.

Frankie Ince

Bournemouth

There are several different varieties of honeysuckle, some of which have a long lead in period before they flower so this may be a variety which takes a few years to blossom. If so, then patience is the only solution. Pruning might be a great help and you can cut the plant back heavily in the autumn to give it new impetus. Also good old fashioned tender love and care might help including an organic feed and mulching for example.

Country Gardener

It is not essential to chit potatoes before you plant them. It does give them a head start on potatoes which have not been chitted. In turn, this may give a slightly earlier and bigger harvest. Commercial growers don’t bother chitting potatoes as it would be too time consuming to do. They keep them dormant in cold storage just under 4°C and then plant out when the soil warms up to around 8°C. If you are new to growing potatoes, you might want to try chitting some and not chitting others to see the difference. You can generally start chitting potatoes from late January into February. Seed potatoes need up to six weeks of chitting before they are ready to plant. This will give them a chance to sprout and start putting on growth.

I have an ornamental cherry tree in the front garden and its leaves have started going brown but not falling off, it is on three branches so far, is it dying? The tree is about twelve foot tall and has been in ten years.

Belinda Grahame Exeter

If the tree has been there for ten years already and the damage is localised then the cause is likely to be a disease of some sort, such as cherry leaf scorch. However, it is still worth checking that there is no obvious mechanical damage to the tree, and no obvious changes to its growing conditions. Rake up any fallen leaves and burn them to prevent the spread of any fungal spores. Trees are often more resilient than we anticipate and capable of compartmentalising wood within their branches to prevent the spread of decay and disease that may have entered the branches themselves. Don’t despair just yet - it may well survive, even if it looks a bit scruffy.

I have recently had two eucalyptus trees cut down in my garden as they were taking all of the light. They were about ten years old. After they had been cut down I thought that would be the end of them, but to my dismay the stumps have started to re shoot, so could you please advise me how to kill them off without having them bored out with machinery. I have heard there is a treatment where you can insert through drilled holes in the stumps.

Will Phillips Dunster

Eucayptus trees are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They have a powerful root system and are very fast growing. After ten years they might be well established and some of the options you hint at may not be very practical or safe. You may have to consider a professional tree surgeon.

Quality time in the garden -

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

The numbers of hours we spend in the garden probably reaches a peak in May. It may not quite have the longest hours of daylight but it’s the busiest time of the year and we probably spend more time in the fresh air than at any other time.

Apart from its breathtaking beauty May brings with it a couple of unique things. Amongst all the hard work is the chance to sit back and enjoy the spring flowers and your early season efforts. It’s a time to perhaps consider what you can do to improve your gardening offering. Is it time you finally opted for a

greenhouse with new furniture, extra luxuries to improve the value of your property or just the odd new fixture and fittings?

It’s also the time of year when you don’t want all that hard work in spring to plan and that means making sure everything is growing at full steam and flowers and shrubs are looking their best.

At Country Gardener we are always on the lookout for great products and fresh ideas so here’s a few which might tempt you make the garden even more enjoyable and your home more pleasurable.

quality gardening products built in Somerset to last

Somerlap offers a wide range of high-quality garden products that are both competitively priced and built to last. The timber is sourced sustainably with many of products proudly made in Somerset. Since 1991 they have been crafting their own quality garden products at a five-acre site in Mark. Alongside o own creations, they carefully select and stock complementary garden products from trusted manufacturers. As a fully employee-owned business, Somerlap is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and aftercare. The knowledgeable team is also on hand to offer advice and help design bespoke outdoor living solutions tailored to your needs. www.somerlap.co.uk

Safe and effective unique controls for all your shrubs and climbers

You can control your shrubs and climbers this year using Rivelin Glen Products uniquely designed Wire Anchors. They are quick and easy to attach to concrete posts (without drilling) to act as an ‘eye’ by threading wire through them to create a trellising system.

The Gripple Trellising System is ideal to use with the anchors as the wire does not stretch, takes up to 100kg load & has a life of up to 15 years. Multiple rows can be achieved with one length of wire and two tensioners. No more sore hands or sagging wires!

Rivelin Glen Products are the main stockists of the Gripple Trellising System. Prices: Wire Anchors from £10.25 for a pack of three; Gripple Starter Kit - £20.25 Details available at: www.rivelinglenproducts.com Email: info@rivelinglenproducts.co.uk or telephone: 01246 462666

bespoke awnings

from Eden

-

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Enjoy alfresco evenings with a stylish Eden Awning. Even better, an Eden Awning is also available with a excellent finance deal – Buy Now, Pay later plus you can save up to 25per-cent off* in their Spring Sale. Constructed from the highest quality materials, bespoke manufactured and installed by Eden’s own engineers, this awning is a stunning addition to any home. With optional accessories such as intelligent heating, lighting and controls to suit all needs you can spend more time ‘outdoors’ in comfort. Every Eden Awning is powder coated with a hard-wearing weather-proof finish, available in a choice of 156 RAL colours and 170 Fabric choices. To benefit from these offers, visit edenverandas.co.uk or call 0800 1571677 and use code CG010525.

*Terms and Conditions apply, see website at www.edenverandas.co.uk for details.

641671 www.somerlap.co.uk Wells Road, Mark, Somerset TA9 4NR

At Somerlap our range of quality garden products is both competitively priced and built to last. Our timber comes from sustainable sources with many of our products made in Somerset. Speak to us about our installation service We deliver to BA, BS and TA postcodes

● WIDE RANGE OF BESPOKE DESIGNS, FRAME COLOURS AND WEATHERPROOF FINISHES

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0800 157 1677 andquote code CG010525 for a free brochure & no obligation quotation. To learn

GLASS VERANDAS

GLASS

GARDENS TO VISIT in May

compiled by Vivienne Lewis

In the beautiful month of May amongst the hundreds of private gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme across the country to raise funds for nursing and caring charities, there are many new open gardens for visitors to explore. Here’s a selection of new openings and well established favourites in the areas covered by Country Gardener and beyond, including one in Wales. We advise checking wherever possible before starting out on a journey as circumstances can force cancellations. www.ngs.org.uk

ASHRIDGE COURT

North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2DH

A new opening for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th May and again on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May, from 11am until 4pm each day. The main six-acre garden dates from the early 1900s, the walled garden much older, with a stunning range of mature conifers, an Arts and Crafts circular garden room, Japanese maples; woodland walk via tree ferns, newly planted flowering trees and shrubs, stumpery, and upper arboretum, all being restored. Also open on dates in June, October and November. Admission £6, children free.

THE OLD VICARAGE

Powerstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3TE

BARFORD HOUSE

Spaxton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1AG

Opens for the NGS on Thursday 15th May from 2pm until 5pm, has a secluded walled garden with wide borders, kitchen garden beds, shrubs and fruits trees. Lawns lead to a six-acre woodland garden of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. Stream-side gardens feature candelabra primulas, ferns, foxgloves and lily-ofthe-valley among veteran pines and oaks, and some rarer trees. Admission £7, children free.

LARAPINTA

Bridgerule, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7EF

Another new opening for the NGS on Sundays 11th and 25th May from 11am until 4pm each day, Larapinta, at Bridgerule, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7EF has a stunning wisteria spanning approximately 50 ft dripping with purple flowers and filling the garden with a wonderful scent. There are colourful borders, a Koi pond, fruit area, small woodland walk, a new Japanese area, and wonderful views to Bodmin and Widemouth from the top field. Admission £5, children free.

A new opening for the NGS, on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May, from 12pm until 5pm, is a classic English garden of 1½ acres with many rooms and several notable trees. Extensively replanted over the past five years with a variety of herbaceous borders, grasses, a rose terrace and a tulip and dahlia square under a crab apple canopy. It also features a rare ‘maiden’ ancient mulberry, a ‘font garden’ (with Victorian font), vegetable garden, pond, orangery, orchard and croquet lawn. Admission £5, children free.

THE MANOR

South Street, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9DL

Opens for the NGS on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May, 10am until 5pm each day, has a hidden and unexpectedly large walled garden in the town centre around a 17th century manor house. Yew hedges provide good structure and divide the garden into distinct areas, with a formal pond garden, vegetable garden with box edging, orchard and tiny ‘lockdown’ garden created in 2020. Admission £7, children free.

LITTLE FIELDS

Somers Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3EX

Another new opening for the NGS, on Sunday 25th May from 1pm until 5pm, is an evolving coastal garden created over the last six years from a blank canvas with pebble and gravelled connecting areas. The garden entrance is an avenue of cypress trees and lavenders leading into a number of garden rooms, the first an Asian themed tropical garden; ponds, patios, Mediterranean planting, olive trees, loquat trees, a rhododendron hedge and a pergola with sea views. Admission £5, children free.

2 CHAPEL HAY CLOSE

Churchdown, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL3 2HP

Another new opening for the NGS on Sunday 4th and Bank Holiday Monday 5th May from 11am until 5pm, a plantaholic’s garden. Steep with terraced borders and retaining walls of stone and timber, it’s mostly planted for year-round interest and has steep steps with handrails, paths, patio and structures, perennials, shrubs, young trees, climbers, tapestry lawn, gravel areas, water features, a tiny vegetable plot and greenhouse. Admission £4, children free.

THE OLD VICARAGE

BRICK KILN COTTAGE

The Avenue, Herriard, near Alton, Hampshire, RG25 2PR

Opens for the NGS on Saturday 10th May from 11.30am until 3pm, is a bluebell woodland wildlife haven, a two-acre garden with a perimeter woodland path, a treehouse, pebble garden, billabong, ferny hollow, bug palace, waterpool, shepherd’s hut and a traditional cottage garden filled with herbs. Admission £6, children free.

EASTWELL MANOR

Eastwell Road, Potterne, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5QG

Opens for the NGS on Saturday 31st May from 1.30pm until 5pm, was built by the family in 1570, a small manorial estate with its own brew house, granary and stables. The garden, based on terraces, features a banqueting house against a backdrop of woodland, with wonderful views to Salisbury Plain over water, and various specialist trees and mature palms. Admission £8, children free.

Talland, Cornwall, PL13 2JA

Opening for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May (also 28th/29th June) from 1pm until 4pm each day, a vibrant four-acre south-facing coastal garden, with varied stunning vistas of Talland Bay, the ancient Talland Church and surrounding hills. Mature Monterey pines lead directly to the South West Coast Path. Restoring this historic churchyard garden an ongoing labour of love since 2018; paths and some steep steps wind through terraced gardens, with seating to rest and enjoy the wonderful views. Admission £5, children free.

ASHLEY MANOR

Ashley, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8SX Grade II* and a new opening for the NGS on Friday 30th May from 11am until 4pm, Ashley Manor set in a charming rural hamlet, and has the classic Cotswold garden elements: stone walls, yew, topiary, ponds, lawns, borders, orchards, paddocks, hedging, fruit and vegetables, the result of the incremental work of three families of gardeners over 100 years; nothing is particularly symmetrical and some elements appear oddly placed, kept to preserve the evolution.

Admission £7.50, children free.

WINKELBURY HOUSE

Berwick St John, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0EY

Opening for the NGS on Saturday 17th May, 2pm5pm, 1½ acres with glorious views of the surrounding countryside; kitchen garden with bothy and greenhouse, mown paths through informal areas, meadow planted with spring bulbs, 30m iris border, ha-ha, wildlife pond and beefriendly planting. Admission £7.50, children free.

Y FELIN

Tynygraig, Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion, SY25 6AE

Opening for the NGS on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May from 1pm until 5pm, a two acre garden set within a 14-acre wooded landscape with historic industrial features, including a former corn mill and pond. Caradog Falls 100ft waterfall can be seen from the garden. Masses of rhododendron, azalea, camellia and magnolia with many other unusual trees and shrubs, woodland walks through a fragment of temperate rainforest to the waterfall. Admission £5, children free.

HYDE’S HOUSE

Dinton, Wiltshire, SP3 5HH

Opening for the NGS on Sunday 25th May from 2pm until 5pm, a charming 16th/18th century Grade I listed house 9not open) is the setting for three acres of wild and formal garden in a beautiful situation with hedged garden rooms, numerous shrubs, flowers and borders, all allowing tolerated wild flowers and preferred weeds, while others creep in. Large walled kitchen garden, herb garden and a 13th century dovecote, lovely courtyard, and walks around the park and lake. Admission £8, children free.

21 CHESTNUT ROAD

Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7RF

Opens for the NGS on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May, (also 7th/8th June and in August) is a third of an acre garden in a central village location, full of colour, scent and inspirational ideas for gardening in sun, shade, wet or dry areas; nature inspired formal, naturalistic, and themed areas with statues, fairies, ponds, and a productive fruit and vegetable area. Paintings, plants and bug boxes usually available for sale, a percentage going to the NGS. Admission £5, children free.

THE ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY

Avon Bank, Wick, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3JP

Opening for the NGS on Saturday 17th May and Wednesday 4th June, 11am-4pm, an inspirational small garden next to the Alpine Garden Society office. The garden shows a wide range of alpine plants that are easy to grow in contemporary gardens over a long season; different settings to grow alpines, inc rock and tufa, scree, a dry Mediterranean bed, shade and sunny areas, also a dedicated alpine house, and many pots and troughs with alpines and small bulbs. Admission £4, children free.

JOURNEY’S END

Green Lane, Ilsington, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9RB

Opening for the NGS on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May, 10am-5pm, a two-acre garden set up for wildlife with a Deer Leap, fox and hedgehog feeding stations, five seating areas, three mixed borders, a large spring fed pond with newts, frogs and lots of dragonflies, two raised beds for herbs and vegetables, and a buddleia walkway for butterflies to feast on. Visitors can also enjoy a Wildlife Photographic Exhibition. Admission £5, children free.

HIGHNAM COURT

Highnam, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 8DP

Opening for the NGS on Sunday 4th May from 11am until 5pm (also 3rd August), 40 acres of Victorian landscaped gardens surround the magnificent 17th century Grade I* listed house (not open). Set out by the artist Thomas Gambier Parry, restored by the current owner. Lakes, shrubberies, a wildflower meadow, multiple rose gardens (5000+ roses), knot gardens, an oriental garden, a newly constructed white garden, kitchen garden, wood carvings and a listed Pulhamite water garden with grottos and fernery, rare air plants and carnivorous plants in the orangery. Admission £6, children free.

Country Gardener

TOUGHEN UP YOUR PLANTS

May is the month when plants raised indoors or in a greenhouse need to be acclimatised to cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and increased air movement for two or three weeks before they are planted outdoors. This annual ‘toughening up’ process is known as ‘hardening off’

Young plants bought from nurseries or grown from seed to grow outdoors need to be hardened off in late April and May. Hardening off allows plants to adapt from being in a protected, stable environment to changeable, harsher outdoor conditions. If suddenly placed outside, the shock can severely check a plant’s growth. Although plants usually recover eventually, hardening off is better than a sudden shock.

The effect of hardening off is to thicken and alter the plant’s leaf structure and increase leaf waxiness. It ensures new growth is sturdy although growth will be much slower than in the greenhouse. But be warned: hardening off does not make frost-sensitive plants hardy. All plants are hardened off in gradual stages. Why do seedlings need to be hardened off?

Hardening off is the process of toughening up tender plants to prepare them for life outdoors. You do this by acclimating your plants, getting them used to direct sun and harsher conditions by allowing them to spend time outdoors before planting. Don’t put tender seedlings outdoors! If you fail to get your plants ready for the outdoor conditions, then they may experience transplant shock when transplanted into the garden. Transplant shock occurs when plants suddenly find themselves in a new, unfamiliar environment. It can cause their leaves to wilt, no new roots to take hold and your plant may even die.

When to harden off seedlings?

The hardening off process needs to start when plants develop a sturdy stem and root system with a growth of leaves above the soil. The specific time that this type of growth takes will vary, so there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ answer.

Slowly transition outdoors

To acclimate seedlings take them out into a shaded, sheltered area and allow them to sit for a few hours. Make sure you don’t choose a windy day or when temperatures

are too high/low. You will want to minimise the stress on your fragile fruit or vegetable seedlings. This exercise will introduce them to the idea of growing outdoors without overwhelming them. Your plant is a living, breathing organism and a slow and steady approach is best. Protect them harsh early spring weather.

Shielding young seedlings from any wind or rain is important in the first few days. You can gradually take tender seedlings outdoors on windy days to continue to harden them. Though when it comes to harsher conditions like frost, hail or strong winds extra measures must be undertaken to protect y delicate seedlings. Invest in a covering to keep them protected. This will also serve to protect your seedlings from animals, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Increase exposure

It’s time to gradually increase their exposure to the elements over the next week. Extend the duration of time they spend outdoors by a few hours each day. You’ll also need to slowly adjust the area where they have been sitting, gradually increasing their exposure to the wind and sun.

Increase light intensity

After you initially kept your plants in a well-

shaded area or chose to put them out only on a cloudy day, you can now move plants gradually into direct sunlight. Slowly move them into areas with partial sun, working their way up to full sun exposure.

Hardening off takes two to three weeks, but the warmer the initial growing conditions, the longer the hardening off period. Hardy plants acclimatise faster than half-hardy or tender kinds. To be on the safe side, do not plant out tender plants before the date of the last frost which is usually late spring.

You can gradually take tender seedlings outdoors on windy days to continue to harden them

Equipment to help you with the hardening off experience

Plants raised in heated glasshouses and on windowsills should go first into a cold glasshouse if available.

A propagator with a vented or unvented lid provides a humid, slightly warmer atmosphere. It is useful to help seeds germinate and root cuttings.

If you don’t have a greenhouse, move plants into a cold frame, with the lid open slightly during the days of the first week and closed at night.

You can use a cloche but this does not give as much protection as a coldframe.

A cloche is best used to protect plants, especially overwintered and early vegetables, from wet and cold weather and to warm the soil before planting.

If there are no specialist aides available, place plants in a sheltered position in front of a south-facing wall or hedge and cover with two layers of transparent fleece and

other floating films, laid over or around plants hastening their growth, and protecting against weather and pests. They can be used without supporting hoops.

For the first week, leave outside during the day, but bring in at night. In the second week reduce to one layer of fleece. Towards the end of the fortnight remove the fleece during the day.

Covering with an old curtain or extra fleece can protect from sudden sharp night frosts that occasionally occur in late spring.

The most common problem when hardening off is damage from cold temperatures, or even a late frost. If this happens, cut out the damaged growth and continue to harden off. In warm weather pests such as greenfly might multiply and need controlling.

Time to invest in water?

GARDEN PONDS WITH THEIR OWN ECOSYSTEM ADD THE MAGICAL QUALITY OF WATER INTO A GARDEN AND CREATE A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE SAYS EXPERT TOM NAYLOR

We didn’t invent the ecosystem that keeps our fish happy and our water crystal clear. Nature did. What we try to do is replicate nature in a man-made environment.

So, digging a hole in the ground, throwing in the garden hose and calling it a day isn’t going to cut it.

Each element of a properly designed pond has a crucial role to play in keeping your ecosystem balanced and your pond a pleasant place to hang out for wildlife.

Water brings a magical quality to your garden and is the key to life for so many creatures that live there.

The Covid shutdown saw record numbers of new ponds and the huge growth in interest is continuing. It’s easy to create a very small pond out of something like an old washing up bowl, so you can have a minipond in any sized garden. If you’ve got more space to spare, building a large pond is a rewarding challenge for you and a gift for wildlife.

It’s exciting to watch pond skaters, water lice (they look like long-legged underwater woodlice), freshwater shrimps, and if you’re lucky, a few damselflies darting around the water. You might even see a bird having a bath.

You can build a pond at any time of year, but spring is ideal for larger ponds as the ground isn’t too wet or dry and is perfect for digging.

The golden rules for large ponds are:

• Shallow shelving margins – make sure that anything such as hedgehogs that fall in can easily get out

• Deeper areas, but you don’t need to go too deep (600mm in the middle is fine)

• Plenty of submerged aquatic pondweed

• Plenty of emergent vegetation.

Get creative with your shape, using wiggly margins or a perfectly geometric shape – wildlife won’t mind either way. Try doing a sketch on paper and use string to set out your edges before digging.

While it’s possible to line a pond with concrete, I recommend using either a pre-moulded liner – usually fiberglass, they are expensive but durable, or a flexible liner – materials include plastic (PVC), butyl rubber and EPDM rubber (such as Firestone).

Don’t bend round right angles so use them for more naturally curving ponds. A flexible liner will come as a rectangle. The liner dimensions you will need will be (the maximum length of the pond plus twice the maximum depth) by (the maximum width plus twice the maximum depth). As a rough guide, a 3metres by 3metres liner will cost £50 - £100. Buy the best quality you can afford so that it won’t leak and will last longer.

If using a flexible liner, dig a slightly larger hole than you need (about 50mm extra all the way round and down). Then make sure you remove all rocks, roots and sharp objects from the hole. Don’t cut the liner yet.

To ensure the liner doesn’t get punctured, place a 50mm layer of sand all around the hole. Then over this put sheets of manmade pond underlay, so that rocks and roots can’t penetrate it. It’s best to use rainwater is from a water butt, as tap water contains nitrates and phosphates which may give you algae problems.

Explore what’s possible in a pond with Oase

‘In a world that rarely slows down, a pond can offer a welcome pause. They can be more than just a garden feature — it’s a part of your outdoor space that invites a variety of nature in and often calms the mind, too. From having fish to incorporating water movement, a pond creates an atmosphere that encourages reflection, creativity, and connection with our natural world.

Ponds also support biodiversity, attracting birds, insects, and amphibians, making your garden not only more beautiful but more alive. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek, modern water feature or a lush, wildlife-friendly haven, there’s a style to suit every space and personality.

If you’re considering adding a pond — or are simply dreaming... explore what’s possible. Discover ideas, styles, and real-life inspiration to help bring your vision to life with OASE. A pond might be the most rewarding decision you make for your garden — and yourself. Be inspired: social.oase.com/pondwithoase

Why have a pond in your garden?

BECAUSE WATER TRANSFORMS EVERYTHING.

A pond adds more than beauty – it brings life, welcomes wildlife and connects you to nature. Whatever your vision, Oase has everything you need to create it. From durable and long-lasting pre-formed ponds to water features, pumps, liners and more. We bring your garden to life.

01256 896 886 enquiries@oase.com www.oase.com/gb-en

SO, WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Jon Patterson spent four nights at an evening class in Bristol in January learning about the mysteries of botanical plant names and found the experience very worthwhile

I have just completed a great evening class course at Bristol University which means for the first time in the many years I have been gardening, I finally understand botanical plant names.

It has always been a mystery to me.

I’ve been a gardener for the best part of 40 years and have managed to muddle through when it came to identifying plants, flowers, shrubs and trees but the four-week course I went to in January unlocked everything in a quite wonderful way, I admit I was daunted by botanical plant names but the reality is they’re easier to understand than you might think and I am keen for more gardeners to share the answers. Clearly there are hundreds of thousands of plant species on the planet, with new ones being discovered or bred each year. To distinguish between them, each is given a unique name - often referred to as the Latin name, the scientific name or the botanical name.

While it’s fine to use common names such as lady’s mantle, poppy or heather, these can cause confusion, even within the same geographical area. For example, a harebell in England is known as a bluebell in Scotland. To confuse matters even more, each plant can have several common names, not only within individual countries but around the world.

“Botanical plant names can look off-putting and complicated, but now I find they’re simple once you get the hang of them and they explain a lot about a plant’

The binomial (i.e. two-name) naming system we use today, invented by a Swedish botanist called Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, gets around this by giving each plant its own unique name. It means that wherever you are in the world, and whatever language you speak, you will be able to identify a plant. A Rosa rugosa (Japanese rose) will be recognised whether you live in Manchester, Melbourne or Mumbai. Botanical plant names can look off-putting and complicated, but now I find they’re simple once you get the hang of them. They can tell you a lot about a plant, including its main characteristics and where it hails from.

So, all plants have two main names, in italics, which are the genus and the species, such as Rosa rugosa, Helleborus niger and Alchemilla mollis

The genus starts with a capital letter. It represents a group of plants with similar characteristics - all the plants in the genus will share a recent common ancestor and look similar to each other.

There are then sub sections.

A variety is a plant that has a naturally occurring variation from the main species noted using ‘var’ when two plants have cross-fertilised in the wild. For example, Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is a variety of hardy geranium.

A cultivar is a new plant that comes about in cultivation (rather than in the wild), by crossing two related plants. This might be deliberate breeding, or a lucky accident. Cultivar names are listed in title case, with each letter capitalised, and put in quotation marks.

Whereas the genus, species, var. names are Latin, cultivar names are usually in a modern language. Sometimes the parents’ names are not known, or have been lost, so only the genus and cultivar names are used. For example, Dahlia ‘Doris Day’.

A horticultural bit of detective work

Latin names can help you break down the story of any plant including its colour, where it originates from and growth habit. As an example, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Nana Alba’, has narrow leaves (angustifolia) and is compact (‘Nana’) with white flowers (‘Alba’). Wonderful isn’t it? And well worth knowing.

Diary events from clubs and organisations in DEVON

Welcome to our May Time off and details of gardening club and association events, shows and meetings over the next few weeks in Devon. This is a popular free service in Country Gardener and if you would like any events given some publicity and promotion them email us at editorial@countrygardener.co.uk

April

23RD

Newton St Cyres Gardening Club ‘PROPAGATION’ - SAUL WALKER Details on 01392 851985 24TH

Exmouth Garden Club ‘ALL ABOUT HANGING BASKETS’ - BRIAN CARLSON www.exmouthgardenclub.co.uk

North Dartmoor Garden Club, Belstone ‘CAMOUFLAGE COLOUR - THE MOTHS IN YOUR GARDEN AND HOW TO LOOK AFTER THEM’ - JENNY EVANS Email: watsongp@hotmail.com

May

1ST

Brixham Horticultural Society MONTHLY MEETING Details on 01803 842121 Teignmouth Gardening Club Programme ‘THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY - A NATURAL REGENERATION’ - SALLY MORGAN Details on 07976 797017 Email: nickcooling4@aol.com 3RD

Hardy Plant Society Devon Group ‘PASSIONFLOWERS’ - STEVE AND DAWN MORGAN Email: devon@hardy-plant.org.uk

Are you part of a garden club or society?

6TH

Marldon Gardening Club SEED, SWAP AND PLANT SALE 13TH

Axminster Gardening Club ‘GARDENING WITHOUT PLASTIC’ - SALLY NEX Details on 07749 726497 17TH

Stokenham Garden Society GRAND PLANT SALE AT CHILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL 10am. Email: julia.churchley@hotmail.co.uk 21ST

Torquay and District Gardening Club ‘GLORIOUS ROSES’ - ELIZABETH HOLMAN Email: nickibaker222@gmail.com 29TH

Exmouth Garden Club ‘MY TIME AS A SHOW MANAGER OF THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW’ - SAUL WALKER www.exmouthgardenclub.co.uk

Are you part of a garden club or society?

Are you part of a garden club or society?

Please send us your diary for the year - we’d love to include your talks and shows It's free!

Please send us your diary for the year - we’d love to include your talks and shows It's free!

Please send us your diary for the year - we’d love to include your talks and shows It's free!

Send them into us by email giving us 10 weeks notice of the event: timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk or by post to: Mount House, Halse, Taunton, TA4 3AD.

Bridford, Nr Exeter EX6 7LB 01647 252654

Send them into us by email giving us 10 weeks notice of the event: timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk or by post to: Mount House, Halse, Taunton, TA4 3AD.

Send them into us by email giving us 10 weeks notice of the event: timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk or by post to: Mount House, Halse, Taunton, TA4 3AD.

Traditional Nursery Trees, Shrubs,Climbers and Perennials Hanging Baskets, Patio Plants and Spring Bulbs Garden Shop, Local Produce Competitive Prices

www.teignvalleynursery.co.uk teignvalleynursery@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED

ACCOMMODATION

Churchwood Valley

Secluded cosy cabins & lodges in wooded valley running down to Wembury Bay & SW Coastal Path

Plymouth, Dartmoor & lovely South Devon

Villages & Towns in easy reach. Pets Welcome. Forest School. Tel: 01752 862382 www.churchwoodvalley.com

Carmarthen Bay South Wales Seafront chalet situated on estuary. Sleeps up to 6. Seaview. Well Behaved Dogs Welcome Free of Charge. Free WIFI. Open from 1st March - 31st Dec. For Brochure Tel: 01269 862191

BOSWORLAS, ST JUST. Cosy Cottage sleeps 2-4. Please email info@bosworlas.co.uk for availability

GLORIOUS NORTH DEVON. Only 9 cosy caravans on peaceful farm. Wonderful walks in woods & meadows. Easy reach sea, moors & lovely days out. £125-395pw. Discount couples. Nice pets welcome. 01769 540366 www.snapdown.co.uk

SOUTH DEVON LODGE ON FARM. Sleeps 4. Central for beaches, Salcombe and Dartmouth. www.marymillsfarm.co.uk For availability Tel 01548 853669

ACCOMMODATION HOLIDAY COTTAGES

Peace, Privacy and Stunning views.

4* Delightful cosy cabin for 2 nestling between Wye and Usk Valleys. Shirenewton village & pubs close by. Comfy bed and splendid views, walks, castles and bustling market towns. Perfect for all seasons!

Tel: 01291 641826 Email: lynne@bryncosyn.co.uk www.bryncosyn.co.uk

NORTH DEVON S-C accommodation close to RHS Rosemoor. Sleeps 2-3. Modest rates. www.beehivecottagebeaford.com Email: beehivecottagebeaford@gmail.com

DEVON. TRADITIONAL COTTAGE

SLEEPS 2-4, on small farm with private woodland walks for you & your dog to enjoy. RHS Rosemoor approximately 13 miles. Tel: 01769520266 Email: horrymill@aol.com www.horrymill.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION WITH BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

WYE VALLEY/FOREST OF DEAN.

Fully equipped single-storey cottage with two en-suite bedrooms. Wi-fi.Recently awarded Visit England 4-star GOLD. Rural retreat, shops/pubs one mile. Enquiries welcome. AS SEEN ON ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY! Tel: 01594 833259 www.cowshedcottage.co.uk

RYDE COTTAGES, ISLE OF WIGHT. Sleep 2 and 4. Close to beach and town. 02380849565. rydecottage@talktalk.net www.rydecottage.co.uk

Near Stratford-upon-Avon Lovely self-catering cottage in peaceful location: large garden. Sleeps 2. Perfect for famous gardens, NT properties & Cotswolds. Tel: 01789 740360 www.romanacres.com

Gloucestershire Quality Bungalow B&B Ensuites, rural, large garden, paddocks, sheep and fruit. Ideal Cotswolds, Malvern’s, Forest of Dean, cycle storage, ample parking, Wi-Fi £44 p.p.p.n. Tel: 01452 840224 sheila.barnfield1960@gmail.com

A range of over 200 greetings cards and prints from the flower paintings of ANNE COTTERILL We sell to both individuals and trade. No order too small. Contact us for your free catalogue.

Mill House Fine Art Publishing, Bellflower Gallery, Market Place, Colyton, Devon EX24 6JS Tel. 01297 553100 info@millhousefineart.com www.millhousefineart.com

THE GARDENER’S BLACKSMITH jonne@jonne.co.uk 07770 720 373

NORTH DEVON NEAR CLOVELLY. 3 delightful cottages situated in 12 acres of idyllic countryside. Sleeps 2-4. 1 Wheelchair friendly. Brochure: 01237 431324 www.foxwoodlodge.co.uk foxwoodlodge@outlook.com

Artist blacksmith based near Axminster designing and manufacturing garden plant supports, structures, garden art and fine art bronzes. Commissions welcomed. www.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk Yenstone Walling Dry Stone Walling and Landscaping Patrick Houchen - DSWA member Tel: 07751278363 / 01963371123 www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

Unscramble

The Country Gardener Quizzing Dozen

Test your gardening knowledge on these moderately tough questions.

1. The spice, saffron, comes from which flower?

2. Often called England's greatest gardener, what is Capability Brown's given first name?

3. What is another name for tadpoles?

4. ‘Wilson’s Wonders’ is a kind of which nut tree?

5. In which European city is the medieval Islamic garden known as Generalife?

6. What item of clothing did Peter Rabbit lose when Mr McGregor chased him in the garden?

7. A David Austin named rose, Jude the Obscure, appears in a novel written by whom?

8. Who gardened at Sissinghurst?

9. What is the name of one of the most poisonous British native, cottage plant perennials?

10. Who composed ‘The Flight of the Bumble Bee’?

11. Which succulent plant provides the basis for tequila?

12. Aspirin was originally obtained from the bark of which tree?

ACANTHUS

ACER

AGAPANTHUS

ALOE VERA

ANEMONE

ASTER

BEGONIA

BERBERIS

BUDDLEJA

CAMELLIA

CHRYSANTHEMUM

CLEMATIS

COSMOS

COTONEASTER

CROCUS

DAHLIA

DELPHINIUM

DICENTRA

EUCALYPTUS

FUCHSIA

GERANIUM

HEBE

HOSTAS

HYDRANGEA

IRIS

JASMINE

LOBELIA

MAHONIA

PHLOX

PINKS

PRIMULA

ROSE

SALVIA

SEDUM

TULIP

Answers

Rimsky-Korsakov 11. Agave 12. Willow/Salix7. Thomas Hardy 8. Vita Sackville West 9. Aconitum 10. Nikolai

1. Crocus 2. Lancelot 3. Polliwogs 4. Walnut 5. Granada, Spain 6. His blue coat

Crossword

WIN £100 IN RHS GIFT TOKENS

Our popular gardening themed crossword is compiled by Saranda which over the past year has become enormously popular with readers. The winning entry to be drawn by us will receive £100 of RHS gift tokens. Completed entries should be sent to Mount House, Halse, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3AD. Closing date Friday 23rd May. The March issue winner was Kelly Morgan from Exmouth.

ACROSS

1. Seliganella lepidophylla, a plant that can survive without water (4, 2, 7)

8. A young tree (7)

12. A small rorqual whale (5)

13. The national flower of this country is the padauk (7)

14. A palm tree of the genus Iriartea (7)

15. Famous North American waterfalls (7)

16. Scattered or sporadic amounts (5, 3, 5)

17. Lily-like class of marine invertebrates (9)

18. Muhammed Ali (3, 8)

21. Any of several Australian wattle trees (5)

24. A small island (5)

25. Denoting an instrument used to ascertain the size of something (9)

27. Pastoral and arboreal poem by William Shakespeare (5, 3, 9, 4)

30. Any of several Asian trees of the genus Aquilaria (9)

32. A large Asian plant yielding Manila hemp (5)

34. Wild or sweet cherries (5)

35. Adapted a wild plant to a different environment (11)

37. Having male, female ad hermaphrodite flowers on different plants (9)

41. The arrangement of the flowers on a plant (13)

44. Situated on the side towards the axis or stem of a plant (7)

45. One of the divisions of a compound leaf (7)

46. A number two wood in golf (7)

47. _____ chard, a green leafy vegetable (5)

48. To put into mechanical action or motion (7)

49. Galium verum, a herbaceous perennial (5, 8)

DOWN

1. Relating to the Romance languages (7)

2. One of two varieties of Indian mangrove tree (7)

3. Culinary plant in the mint family (7)

4. Simple food item often containing raspberries or strawberries (3, 8)

5. Author of James and the Giant Peach (5, 4)

6. Famous Tennyson poem with horticultural opening line (4, 4, 3, 6, 4)

7. Name given to the root of Irises

germanica and pallida (5)

8. Genus to which soapwort belongs (9)

9. Dry fruits of such plants as the plantain (7)

10. Genus of plant commonly called elecampane (5)

11. A metabolic disease in cows caused by a deficiency in magnesium (5, 8)

19. Like a tree in the genus Ulmus (5)

20. Gerbera daisies are the national flowers of this East African country (7)

21. A genus of thorny ornamental vines belonging to the four o'clock family (13)

22. Lachnanthes caroliana, a North American plant (7)

23. The ancient Greek personification of the East Wind (5)

26. Not yet cultivated (5)

28. Genus of fish commonly known as cod (5)

29. The wood sorrel family (11)

31. Insect of the Meloe genus (3, 6)

33. Females who perform on stage and in film (9)

36. A genus of New Zealand plants sometimes called vegetable sheep (7)

38. The basic frame of a car (7)

39. In French, a grove of olives (7)

40. To reproduce or spread by natural dispersion of the seed (4-3)

42. A large celebratory meal (5)

43. Allium fistulosum or Welsh onion (5)

6. Humphrey Repton

The answer is called a tree!

Mark Hinsley worries about the impact on both urban and rural trees from over zealous insurance companies bullying tree owners to have trees taken down unnecessarily. We can burn the midnight oil arguing about why our climate is changing but most rational people accept that it is.

Now, all the predictions are that it will become more extreme, hotter, wetter, drier and windier.

Of course, there is also a scenario where the Gulf Stream/ North Atlantic Drift stops or reverses and we discover what it really means to be further north than any part of the USA other than Alaska.

That will really cause havoc with the bus services!

Magazines

Editorial

Publisher & Editor: Alan Lewis alan@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 431767

Time Off

Kate Lewis editorial@countrygardener.co.uk

If the wind is too strong, you need a wind break or your roof may blow off. If the sun is too hot, you need shade or you may die in your bed at night. If the rain is too heavy, you need a sponge or your house may be washed away. If air pollution is too high, you need an air filter or you may choke to death.

Where can we find the technology to perform all these vital tasks to save us from a changing world?

Well, we already have it – it is called a tree.

It has been around for 385 million years – since the Devonian period (crikey! I knew they were a bit behind the times in Devon, but that is ridiculous!). It is the most incredible wind moderating, air cooling, moisture absorbing, air filtering gadget we could possibly wish for.

As part of our daily business we, as an arboricultural consultancy practice, undertake tree inspections for condition/liability. We do this for large country estates, schools, hospitals, industrial estates, multi-occupancy apartment blocks and individual homeowners.

It would be very easy to simply go around condemning every tree as dangerous because it might fall over; that way we would never have a tree which we had previously surveyed cause an accident. However, that is not how we do it and it is not how our industry recommends that such surveys are done.

Instead, with every tree we inspect we ask ourselves the same questions: What is the risk associated with this tree? What is a proportionate response to that risk? On the one hand is the potential for the tree to cause harm or loss and on the other is the cost of any works and the loss associated with the tree no longer being there. To the

Advertising Sales

Ava Bench - Somerset & Hampshire ava@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01278 786139

Corina Reay - Cotswolds, Devon & Dorset corina@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 410098

list of tree benefits above, we add wildlife conservation, biodiversity, visual amenity and, occasionally, history. However, if a tree near a building is accused of being involved, even only partially, in causing a few little cracks in a house wall in the summer months, or maybe only in drought years, even without full proof, insurance companies immediately begin threatening and bullying tree owners to have the tree felled. No consideration is given at all for the benefits the tree provides to the homeowner or the surrounding community. If it is seen as a financial risk to the insurance company, it has to go. Is this a global problem? No. Is this a pan-European problem? No. Only in the UK was the insurance industry stupid enough to extend building insurance cover to include minor seasonal damage that, in most cases, is nothing more than cosmetic. In this country there is a whole industry of surveyors and adjusters and other consultants all taking fees to solve a problem that exists nowhere else.

Developers get a bad press on tree felling, but is anybody looking at the impact on our urban and suburban tree populations due to the ruthless activity of insurance companies? I doubt it.

Mark Hinsley, of Mark Hinsley Arboricultural Consultants Ltd, offering tree consultancy services. www.treeadvice.info

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