There is a smile on everyones face in the garden now the sun is out. The frost melts quickly and by mid morning the dogs are basking. Tizzie the golden labrador has a favourite place -stretched out over the lavender border! Her version of aromatherapy I suppose, which is surprising as she usually has a preference for fox poo. It always amazes me how resilient plants are to the trampling of the dogs although I have been known to scream at them when they attack more vulnerable plants - such as when Tilda (black lab) swept off the tops of 3 RECENTLY PLANTED crown imperials.(deep breaths, calm,calm)

Millie, who is of Tibetan descent, enjoys all things snowy and prefers the cold and will drag her bed out into the cold whenever possible.

The garlic has been planted and the potatoes are achitting. The team are putting manure on all borders that can be accessed by a path. The ground is too sodden to take a wheelbarrow over. The “lawns” are not a priority here, mowing and edging being the only attention they receive. They have been carved out of meadow 20+ years ago and being on such heavy clay perfection would be impossible even with constant attention and finance. They are there as a rich green foil for the plants and a playground for dogs.

Snowdrops are brightening every corner. We had a big splitting 2 years ago and they have all settled well.  The hellebores however are struggling this year. I don’t know whether this is because we didn’t take off the old leaves this time (although there was no evidence of disease) or the winter was just too hard. I think we will be dividing and feeding this year.

This is the sad display this year.

And this the joyous one last year….ok so it was 2 weeks later and not such a hard winter  but something must be done!

Our NGS open days this year are the 2 May bank holidays

Sunday 2nd Monday 3rd and Sunday 30th and Monday 31st. More details next time.

Good gardening

Sian