As Autumn Approaches!
Over the last few days, we have noticed the subtle start of Autumn. The indicators for us always begin with the Lime trees which gently begin to let go, creating golden carpets across the lawns, which will now begin the process of the estate shedding its foliage from now through to the Oaks holding off till past Christmas. It still surprises me how quickly the seasons pass even though I have been a gardener some 40 years.
In the gardens!
As ever, we have been really busy and getting on with lots always to do. As well as all general maintenance duties required, we are now ramping up for a busy Autumnal period.
Replanting of the parterres has been on our list this past week, cleaning out and replenishing areas which required our attention. It’s always lovely to refresh a part of the garden, and give mother nature a wee helping hand! It’s what we gardeners do! This allows the plants to get settled and connected to the soil before winter heads in, allowing a quicker regrowth start in Spring!
As soon as we complete the planting, we will be straight on to hedge cutting, which for us will go through this entire month, including our topiary, and of course September is also the month we cut back our wildflower plantings which carpet around the fruit collection on the bottom parterres of the garden.
Staffing!
We have been very fortunate to have Graeme rejoin our team, having been away for 3 years to gain a degree in horticulture, so he brings back fantastic knowledge for us all as a team to continue to grow from. Graeme started with us some 4 years ago, starting out as a summer helper, and he has now returned, fully qualified and raring to go! Great to have you back Graeme!
I also give a very special mention to young Chloe, whom like Graeme, agreed to join our team to gain some valuable hands on experience through her summer holidays, whilst preparing to return to Elmwood and continue building herself a career in horticulture. Chloe has been a wonderful help for us through this busy period and I hope she thoroughly enjoys her next steps at college in her own development, which we will be delighted to continue to help with if she chooses.
Why the Bullseye!
We are fortunate to have an all weather cricket pitch on our West Lawn, and in preparation for an up coming charity event, Shaun has been dutifully mowing an outfield in the shape of a bullseye! Fantastic accuracy and skill by Shaun in making this look so good and gives an interesting look on your approach down to the house on the main drive! This surely has to be the best backdrop for a cricket pitch anywhere in Scotland!
Stay well, and enjoy the outdoors before the Autumnal chill is once again upon us!
Happy Gardening!
Kenny
