What a difference a few weeks make at NGS Garden Ferns Lodge… The mostly glorious weather in March has seen the camellias in full bloom, primroses everywhere, and after his expensive sojourn with the wizards at John Deere, the mower has made its first grass cut. The potting shed is full of pots with interesting growth—broad beans, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squashes, and much else are forming nicely. In the greenhouse, trays of wildflowers are starting to peep above the soil, ready to be planted out in the new meadow area.
Down in Bee Village, the mouse guards and coverings are gone, and the bees are out and about, carrying masses of pollen from the spring flowers back to their hives. We’re hoping to offer Ferns Lodge honey at this year’s opening for the first time, so watch out for these precious jars in June.
One of our most interesting purchases this winter was a trail camera, which has enabled us to spy on our neighbours, who mostly visit in the darkness once gardening is done and Ghillie is snoring in the Lodge House. Apart from a brace of deer, which we encourage (without success, I might add) to find another night-time restaurant—poor camellias (!), we also have a family of foxes, and the badgers have turned up too. Along with rabbits, bats, and much else, please do have a look at this short video of our night-time neighbours.
Of course, with the rustle of new growth, blossom, and renewal comes the realization that although our June opening may seem a while away, it isn’t at all—and there is A LOT TO DO!
We still have more work to do landscaping the little lane into the vegetable garden, masses of planting still not complete, seating to prepare, and absolutely tons of plants waiting for the plant sale during our opening—ready to be cherished, re-potted, and made ready.
The treehouse has been landscaped, and we hope to add a little brick path to take you between the bottom meadow and the soon-to-be wildflower area. So far, it is but a vision in my mind—but we will get there!
And, of course, there’s the prospect of baking industrial quantities of scones to be ready for everyone on the 14th and 15th of June. We also have two further private openings with the Bartley Horticultural Society and the Forest Ramblers in June.
After that, we have very exciting plans for the centre of the big garden, involving diggers, lots of new earth, and disruption. You can hear all about it when we see you in June!
Contact sue.grant@fernslodge.co.uk.