All Looks Fresh.
‘The main change in the garden in this month is the annual process of revelation – the works which were in storage have been placed out and those which were wrapped in situ are unveiled again. Fortunately this time with the generally mild winter there is no significant damage to report. Now a process of cleaning and general maintenance begins – all looks fresh and it is a pleasure to see again pieces which when covered did not even get a second glance.
The weather has been mostly springlike as all about us leaves are opening and greening. The grass is growing again and being continually tidied, cut and strimmed – there is a bit of reseeding needed in some areas. The wild flower patches have been tended and some more annual seed put down in these also.
Primrose flowers have appeared among the grass around the edges of the garden and illuminate dark spots in the woods.
The daffodils have bloomed and are now just as quickly going over – as the whin blossom begins to shimmer like the crests of waves rolling down the hillside.
In the greenhouses vegetable seeds are coming on ready for planting out in the Kailyard in due course. Also the Allotment / garden of Epicurus – has been tidied and weeded out.
The Hortus has been given a quick once over – cutting back the herbs in the beds – the roses look healthy enough but no sign yet of the catmint companion underplanting – we will just have to wait and see if it sprouts again.
It seems our resident hare has nibbled all the tops off the bluebells – so we will miss out on that bit of colour – obviously a tasty treat in lieu of anything else.
The strawberries and raspberry canes have been ‘camouflaged’ and a few more plants put in the containers by the entrance ready for the new season.
All of the hedges are filling out and will soon require a first trim.
The ponds need weeded out again – especially the one in the lower parkland requires attention, but has been left undisturbed until all of the frogspawn has disappeared.
The old rotten wooden trellis in the front garden has been replaced with new – supporting the roses and honeysuckle which forms the backdrop to the Pompeiian colonnade. The new oak stile is now also installed in position at the top of the wild garden and looks well.
For a few days darkening clouds envelop the garden as snow and hail blow through – but just as soon after we return to clear blue sky and stillness. The soundscape has changed, birdsong is everywhere. The aerial compositions of spring surround us.’
George Gilliland, April 2017