Garden Diary Entry 15-10-15

Garden Diary Entry 15-10-15

Chapel Bank: Arranged a little tidy last week, and more is needed, but the Verbena bonariensis is still flowering beautifully so I'm loathed to do anything just yet. The plants are knitting together really well now, but time will come to sort out what is and isn't working well - more of this to come.

West Lawn: Much has happened over the last month. Having to retain the wild flower area until the exhibition closed, as could have been expected, pushed us into poorer weather and so the hay cut was completed in less than ideal conditions. Too much herby growth was left in situ, which isn't great for wild flowers, so we flail mowed then Adam took to the worse areas with the trusty knapsack blower, collecting as much grassy debris as we could. It certainly smartened up the lawn, which is already greening nicely and the wild flowers now have a fighting chance.

Elsewhere on the lawn, the hlf footpath contractors are busy cutting the path route, which is much easier said than done, but the devastation will repair, and the accessible paths which will give the area such a lift when it's all complete.

Cedars: [Once again the patchy carpet of wild 'ish' flowers amongst the wood chip have turned into a carpet of weeds, not a good look. Must sort soon...] that was my note from August,  I have now sorted them!

Lodge area: Or should I say 'welcome centre'... The work is flying along, and since I last wrote we've acquired a building site, with lots of heavy plant and rather deep earth-works. But for a few teething problems, the team are off to a flying start, and it's good to see the foundations and lower blockwork in place.

Fencing: The North and East Park fencing was all installed, and painted, and we just await a short-run of lamb wires to finalise. Additional fencing to the front boundary is also complete, and looking (at long last) much better. More remains to be done, after further ground and tree works are complete.

Pond Dipping: Adjustments to the plan have been made following tree work that opened up some impressive views of the lake. It became evident that there was also a more suitable location for the platform once we could see how the water levels were set against the bank. We now have a really good set up in the offing, and work should begin around the end of the month, maybe into November.

Bird Hide: Following on from the dipping platform was an alternative location for the planned bird hide. We've now a much better site for the hide, giving more shelter and opportunity to see birds and a stunning view across the middle pool.

Other HLF Tasks: These are coming thick and fast now, but then we're seeing a peak of activity with three, sometimes four sets of contractors on site. Footpath works have necessitated many trial pits/garden archaeology, in many places. And tree clearance is currently forcing much timber moving - lots of heaving and huffing! All is progressing well however, and moving forward positively.

Another fascinating diversion is my involvement in planning interpretation for 2016 which is to be placed in the new welcome centre, gallery entrance and in the landscape. It has produced yet another opportunity to revisit the historic maps, as I look to explain the long-gone Baroque garden.

And there's more! Of course, any large project such as this wouldn't be complete without an increase in both visitor engagement and 'outreach', and so I'm also heavily involved in planning new activities as we move towards and through 2016 - did I mention it's Capability Brown's Festival Year? (That's why we're Re-viewing the Landscape!!)

Planning Work: Well, as the 2015 meadow project settles into the memory bank, next year's exhibition builds. I am of course referring to an allotment feature, so whilst the site undergoes its biggest transformation since the mansion restoration; I'm engrossed in planning a 1950s allotment. Makes a change I suppose!

Time to sign off, for now. If you want to see the latest images from the grounds at Compton Verney, just Google #CVGrounds

A Slice of Heritage Open Days

A quick post with news that Compton Verney will be opening today in support of Heritage Open Days!

Image courtesy of Jan Gillet

For heritage folk:

- A grade 1 listed mansion, redesigned in the 1760s by renowned architect Robert Adam, with interiors adapted for use as a gallery and museum (personally I love the folk art collection!) 

- 1770s Georgian chapel designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Partly restored (more work coming soon) the chapel is open to visitors.

- Landscape garden, again designed by Brown, with smooth lawns and accessible footpaths through wooded garden areas, and views across a classic English Landscape.

- In addition to all this, the current exhibitions will also be open to Heritage Open Days visitors, including the popular 'Arts and Crafts House: Then and Now', featuring a large wild flower meadow, inspired by William Morris, and designed by Chelsea Gold medal garde designer Dan Pearson.

So, even if you have just two hours to spare, why not join us today at Compton Verney for a slice of Heritage Open Days - you might like it!

More info, click here: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/compton-verney-heritage-open-day

Regards

Gary

Garden diary entry 20-8-15

Garden diary entry 20-8-15

Chapel Bank: Passed by on my way to the tools... The

Agapanthus  planted two seasons ago into pretty average soil is flowering beautifully now; three large heads looking wonderful in the morning sunshine. After all the worry of the rabbits, the Stachys and Bergenia are settled and spreading, great textured weed suppressors indeed. Loving the Verbena too.

H&S: Soaped down all the steps and shady paths this morning, old and new alike. As beautiful as the mansion be, it has many parts in almost constant shade and algae is a regular terror. Nobody really notices the effort, but if I stop, someone is sure to slip! Who puts smooth textured stone steps in heavy shade anyway? Have we not learned anything!

Cedars: Once again the patchy carpet of wild 'ish' flowers have turned into a carpet of weeds, not a good look. Must sort soon...

Lodge area: The area to become the building site is one of the strongest growth areas for shrubs planted but three years back. Had a first foray into moving some of the plants, but deduced quite quickly that it simply isn't cost or time effective. Ultimately I need a clean sheet for this area, so for the plants; a stay of execution....

North Park: But for a lick of paint, the new railings are installed - although to everyone's concern the cattle are threatening to add their touch to the scene, leaning on the rail, popping their clumsy heads through and lifting it up. One cow is tolerable, but when three attempt to restyle the fence? Not good. Thankfully Nick, our local farmer was quick to our call with a line of leccy fencing, so we'll see what the cows make of that in the morning...

Pond Dipping: Enjoyed a brief visit to the site of our soon-to-be pond dipping area. A biologist offered some advice to an assembled group on how best to manipulate the conditions to suit our needs. Fascinating and I'm looking forward to having my first official dip next summer!

Watercress bed: reviewed progress down at the water cress bed, which has come a long way thanks to Anne's efforts. We're forming a plan for winter renovation, and propagation of new material next spring too, then, hopefully, we'll be cropping again next year.

Maybe I'll get the scythe out tomorrow, heaven knows it's long overdue...

The faded old fold out garden chair...

Occasionally, on the fairer evenings of the year and after a days work, the garden beckons as the daylight fades. Tonight is one of those nights.

After a very full working day followed by the nursery and school run, an evening of sorting dinner and playing with the children (and a playful bedtime routine,) time for a real breather beckons; the first real moment of calm since breakfast twelve hours ago. So, as quiet descends gradually on the household, I sneak outside, into the tiny garden and sink into the faded old fold out garden chair.

The chair has seen a few summer seasons now yet on it goes, its fraying seams not affecting my comfort in the slightest. There are times when my eyes have lingered on advertisement images of  hand crafted benches, the cost of which I dare not enquire, choosing instead the reasonable (much lower) cost option of my folder seat, which suits my back just fine.

I try and give up on identifying the cloud formations above, as yet again the clouds could be any one of three similar types. They're nice fluffy ones though, and that'll do for now, and more importantly they're giving way to much blueness, which is always welcome.

To my right, beyond the many pots of randomness, bumble bees are busy buzzing around the comfrey flowers as they have for weeks now. Beyond this, on fence panels which have gone un-treated now for at least four years, wasps depart. They visit each year at this time to chew tiny amounts of wood from the fence, taking it away to presumably build their nest. It's nice to know that my landlords poor maintenance regime has a positive effect on local wasp nest creation, a back-handed ecology technique if ever there was one!

As I'm sitting in the garden in a fairly recently built housing estate, gardeners won't be surprised to hear that in the garden there's a general lack of that essential ingredient called soil. Therefore around my feet are a tolerable number of ants, who seem to thrive in and around the three-by-three diamond shaped patio on which my chair sits. More wildlife industry to observe and, to a point, enjoy.

Unfortunately, bird-life is really restricted, indeed I've given up involvement in the annual bird watch as cats keep all but the smartest birds away. As I write that however, a house martin swooshes high overhead; just to keep me hooked!

Casting my eyes over the plant pots, (Yes I'm proud of my clay pot collection) I can see that tonight's task is a good watering session. They're all healthy to look at, but they'll need a drink after today's warmth of course.

The fuchsias are covered in buds now, a minor miracle after their harsh winter treatment, and the oxeye daisies are lanky to my left but smiling brightly - I love daisies. Tomatoes are growing well now up my self-woven trellis, there's even a few flowers out with the promise of fruit. A sentimental, potted Boscobel rose has flowered some, with seven buds-worth yet to burst. It is loving its bigger pot this season, yet I look forward to one day planting it deeply into the ground, to realise its true potential.

Oops, looks like I've used up my few moments. I need to be indoors once again... I best dash around with the hose, then I'll leave the bees to their own devices for another night.

'Capability' Brown for today's Gardeners, Farmers, and Foresters.

'Capability' Brown for today's Gardeners, Farmers, and Foresters... 

You've probably heard mention of 'Capability' Brown once or twice of late, and I must warn you that you'll probably be hearing it repeatedly right through until the end of 2016!

Stowe

January 2nd visit to Stowe Landscape was a real treat, blowing away those Christmas excesses in grand style. The image is but one of a number - there were so many photo moments due to the amazing landscape and wonderful blue sky from dawn till dusk.

A Flavour of Charlecote

Took ourselves off for a winters walk in the sunshine at Charlecote Park this afternoon. Not as adventurous as some I admit, but quite an achievement given the toss up between another feet-up-in-the-warm day and the hard frost that awaited any adventure!

It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon, and as it was a family visit, I opted not to take all the camera kit, just the DSLR slung over my shoulder.... and typically, due to the frost and sunlight, there was a photo opportunity at every step!

Anyway, here's a selection of my better results - can't wait to get out & take some more!





Looking from Charlecote village area towards the house, a couple of isolated fallow deer keep their heads down near an old tree grove.

All Fenced In

Experimenting with my mobile editing package, after final day of planting & guarding in the East Park at Compton Verney

Landscape Tour at Hagley Hall

I count myself fortunate to have made a visit recently to Hagley Hall, Worcestershire for a seminar arranged by the Historic Houses Association. Held in the grand mansion, the focus of the day was the commercial opportunities for Gardens and Parkland, and after the seminar came the chance to tour of some of the extensive landscape garden.



Hagley Hall, from 1754 by Sanderson Miller. © Gary Webb 2014

Whichford Pottery: An afternoon for Head Gardeners.

Whichford Pottery, the Cotswold based company responsible for beautiful pots, clay ware and more, hosted an afternoon for Head Gardeners this week with twenty six folks attending from around the region. Fortunately, the sun shone brightly and I was able to attend on behalf of Compton Verney.

 I really wasn't sure what to expect, but there were a few familiar faces, and I found myself in the company of respected gardeners from well known gardens such as Hidcote, Waterperry, Daylesford, Kenilworth, Upton - and many more!

Cedar Tree Following

I chose to 'follow' a cedar tree at my works location of Compton Verney. The choice was helped by knowing that we had quite some work planned for this tree this year, which I thought would make a good story. That is almost by-the-by, as other works and projects to the estate soon overtook me, and I haven't blogged on this subject for ages - until now!

Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North

Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North, opened to the public in 2012. She was two years in the making and many more in planning, the whole project triggered by the desire for mining on adjacent land. If I have grasped the idea correctly, this was a 'restoration first' project to provide a resource for the local community and for tourists, a sort of gift in kind - and from where I stand, it seems to tick every box.

Capability Brown Landscape of the Month: Compton Verney

A link to Parks and Gardens UK article about the landscape & garden at Compton Verney, south Warwickshire...



Capability Brown Landscape of the Month: Compton Verney

Middleton Hall, Staffordshire.

Middleton Hall came to my attention a while back in a lecture at Birmingham University by Professor Ian Dillamore, who introduced the work of John Ray, an English naturalist (1627 - 1705) who stayed a while at Middleton. This post is to focus on the garden itself, not Ray, but I'd urge anyone who hasn't heard the name John Ray to at least read through the Wikipedia page dedicated to him; he made a significant contribution to botanical classification and deserves more appreciation.

 

Garden Reviews

Changing times for me as a garden visitor, and I find myself these days less drawn to writing reviews following a garden visit. This is in part due to the lack of time to sit and type up an honest review, and also due to my acceptance now that any garden as I experience it wouldn't have been created purely for my pleasure; it will be a creation formed with any number of constraints.

Hill Close Gardens - Food and Flowers

A lovely sunny spring day and a spare afternoon triggered a brief but refreshing visit to an old haunt of mine: Hill Close Gardens in Warwick.

 

After a warm welcome from volunteers, we were off to tour the individual garden plots that collectively form this wonderful little restored Victorian garden - merely a stones throw from the middle of Warwick. 

 

Around two acres survive of these gardens that were in their heyday rented or purchased for private recreation and growing produce. Back in the day, hedges and fences provided private spaces for affluent business people who didn't have the luxury of a garden with their main accommodation, as many of them lived above their shop so to speak. Each plot was invaluable for escaping the pressures of work, and after years of nurturing, many plots were retained by families who handed them down through generations.

 

 Accounts survive that list the quantities of fruit trees that existed on each plot, and given the size of each space, trees must have been expertly trained to fit them all in! Many of the garden plots feature dainty summerhouses that are simply the sweetest of garden buildings; each one placed perfectly to make the most of the passing sun and views. 

 

There was a hierarchy of plots across the sloped site - higher plots with better views across the common were more expensive, indicating higher status and wealth. Some of the larger summerhouses have basements for tool and produce storage, and cute fireplaces to ward off autumnal chills, but all offered shelter, a place to rest, and views over their garden. 

 

Today, the houses are used to display early tools and information, but have lost none of their charm through the process of restoration, all being matched closely to their original form after investigation and research. There's also an excellent, if slightly uphill, path network, that allows relatively easy access to most garden plots.

 

Hill Close Gardens are now largely cared for by an employed gardener and a large team of volunteers, some of whom have been granted care of individual plots, though many of the gardens supply fruit and veg' for sale - in support of the gardens. There's an education team, the visitor centre hosts a range of horticultural events, and the gardens are an important link to our Victorian gardening heritage.

 

What I love about Hill Close however, is that after huge initial investment, they settled down to eventually become neglected - almost lost forever. But after public rescue and restoration, the gardens are once again settling down, and ultimately are back in the hands of gardeners who like their Victorian counterparts; are using the spaces creatively for food & flowers.

 

Hill Close remains team work of many hands, and is a superb example of these early town or 'Guinea' gardens. Naturally, I would find interest if there was nothing but a pot plant and bench, but these gardens work on a variety of levels and offer so much - not the least being its variety of planting. There are plenty of plant packed borders arranged largely in a cottage style. Spring bedding areas were going over for my visit but the Auricula's were beaming on their display shelves, and the herbaceous planting was coming through strongly.   

 

I think variety is one of the strengths of Hill Close. Not only is it a heritage asset, it is a thriving garden and relevant to many local folk - too many to list. I remember many visitors rediscovering vegetables and fruits that their parents or grandparents used to grow, and it was touching to hear their recollections of a family garden previously forgotten - quite emotional and evocative discussions in some cases. 

 

After a wander through the Victorian style glasshouse, used for modern day propagation and display, and of course a check of the plants on sale, I ventured beyond the centre to a hidden plot - the education garden. This garden is a little closer to my heart as I was heavily involved in its creation, and it was good to see it maturing nicely. The top fruit and hedges I planted, staked and tied were growing strongly, the perennials were clumping up, and the hogging paths, that some thought would be washed away, were holding well after a very wet winter. On the whole, this little garden area was singing along and as with all the plots at Hill Close - looks in good order and very much loved.  

 

Hill Close Gardens - a real gemstone in Warwickshire's garden network - be sure to make a visit!

 

 

Images © Gary Webb 2014

Tree Following - A Warwickshire Cedar

I’ve been following my cedar for all of a month now, but have known it for quite some time - four years to be precise. It’s a character-packed mature tree, having originally been planted, I believe, as part of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s landscaping c1770.

If there is a problem with this tree, it has to be that I see it almost every weekday on my walk into work, and I have to admit that in some ways – it can become part of the furniture! That’s where Tree Following, I hope, will bring this tree firmly back into focus. Already I’ve found myself looking closer – I just need to capture some images that portray what I see!

It is a tree that looks vigorous and full of life, but on closer inspection it has wounds and scars that prove a long and full life. It would have been a juvenile

Gervase Markham

'There is to be required at the hands of every perfect Gardiner three especiall vertues - Diligence, Industry, and Art'

Gervase Markham
1613
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gervase_Markham
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Tree Following

Trees don't move, so how can one be followed? Please read on - it isn't as crazy as might first sound!

Most of us will pass a tree or two when out on our travels. Maybe you can think of one that you see frequently, possibly a young, establishing specimen in your garden. It could be a random tree among a roadside group that speaks out to you, or one that stands proud in a nearby field location. Basically, it could be anywhere, any tree, any size - they are all unique!

Barreto Trenching

Short clip of trenching operation for cable laying. Very muddy conditions, but the Barreto machine on hire worked efficiently & with minimal ground disturbance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y85vP5QDh0&sns=em
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