The last embers of the heather still glow on the hillside. Most flowering though has now gone over.

 

Stachys and lily-of-the-valley get planted around the base of the yew hedge in the Roman garden. Nettle leaved bellflower which has spread out from Julie’s Garden is removed in clumps where it has self-seeded here. It is not in keeping and in danger of becoming invasive.

 

One of the areas outside of the Hortus is cleared of ground elder and cranesbill and replanted with clumps of marjoram from the Allotment where it was taking up too much space. This now surrounds When the Winds Blow, Venerate the Sound panpipes and looks well.

 

There is further planting out of assorted perennials in the Front garden for next year, as we begin to make space for autumn sowings in the greenhouses with further planning ahead. The Allotment and Kailyard are cleared of the last of their harvest and beds dug over. A few things are left to overwinter, we will see how they get on.

 

Repairs are made to the AD monogram which hangs on a branch by the gable end of the Temple of Baucis and Philomen. The leather strap which holds it was deteriorated with age and is restored, the stone itself which had been lying on the ground is given a good clean before being repositioned.

 

The lochan has become overgrown again with potamogeton, which has relished conditions this season. Either we need a more regular cutting routine or accept its presence. There does not seem to be any other viable long term approach apart from dredging out the entire space, which would be a major intervention – a decision for the long term, perhaps. 

 

The perimeter fencing all along the field edge is cleared of overhanging growth to leave it clear and functional. Brambles have also romped away in conditions, flopping into the pathways, their spikiness unavoidable, but at least they bring some sweet reward in the form of their dark ripe shiny fruits.

 

The yew hedging is trimmed to its winter form, as is the willow in the Temple pond, reduced and shaped to frame the marble Paper boat, and the pond given a good clear out again. The Great Piece of`Turf islet is cut back into shape to stop it from becoming too sprawly.

 

A few more bits of stone cleaning work is completed – the Present Order gets a quick spruce up.

 

A new section of cleft chestnut post and rail style fencing has been put up marking the boundary between the Woodland and English Parkland, and a stretch of sturdy larch by the Kailyard perimeter. This marks a vast improvement for both areas with the removal of the old broken down wire fencing which was already past its best but then in large part flattened by fallen trees. We have waited a good while to get this done but it is very satisfying now that it is in place knowing that it will last for years to come defining these spaces.

 

It is a transitional time now as colours subdue and leaves scatter down. We get a few last glimmers of sunshine but the warmth has gone. Autumn is upon us.