April showers have turned up well into May, and it is terrific. You can almost hear the rustle of everything growing and the beds and shrubberies are filling out beautifully. Of course, it is a little cold which means that we are, I am told, around 3 weeks behind the normal cycle which is why the log seat opposite the holm oaks still has its super display of bluebells. The rhododendrons are also late – our lovely tree rhodo is only now budding although his smaller brother is further advanced and the wonderful light pink gossamer blossoms are just starting to peep out. Very exciting are the tree ferns which are putting out new fronds. I am particularly pleased to see this chap by the bottom meadow going strong as he had a very bad summer in 2020 with bugs eating his ferns.
The NGS garden opening rushes closer and there is progress – but there is still a mass to do. The new sown grass is now up and that wonderful light green shadow can be seen in the vegetable garden – of course the weeds also love the damp so the nettles and docks are growing at an alarming rate! Dan’s Wall now has its brick area – also Dan’s handiwork and its a great place for pots of herbs… The standpipe we rescued – before the clearance it was a bit of a landmark sticking up amongst the brambles and nettles.
For the first time we are using turf (it feels a bit like cheating) for the path from the bottom meadow to the wildflower meadow with poppy seeds planted each side – instant gardening at Ferns Lodge! There is a new raised bed of succulents by the Monterey pines made from the remains of the fallen limb. And of course the vegetables are multiplying – more tomatoes, beans, beetroot, strawberries – the list goes on.
In bee news, the hives are busy and a decoy hive has been positioned further in amongst the briars just in case either of the hives decide to swarm and move house.
Talking of succulents, a rather sad looking gnome was gifted to us bearing a rather handsome succulent which is now in a new home in the bottom meadow. Not the smartest or most elaborate of gnomes he now resides with the plants that will be for sale at our opening and we are very much hoping that someone will want to rescue and take him home for a clean up and a new life. A small donation to the NGS in return is all that is asked.
Hurtling around the garden and weeding and cutting back like crazy is the order of the day. Even Ghillie with his waterproof coat has taken refuge in the back of Mandy the Land Rover where he snoozes gently in the worst of the showers. We are looking forward to seeing you on the 5th and 6th June.
Contact sue.grant@fernslodge.co.uk.