July 2020 Update from Ellie, Horticulture Tutor

Anne getting all togged up for some strimming!

Give us a smile Anne!

Where did all the sunshine go??

July has continued the trend of unexpected and unseasonal weather - strong winds, chilly temperatures, but thankfully some rain - not what we would typically associate with the height of summer, perhaps a more 'fleece on/fleece off climate!'

Nevertheless, in our stoic British way, we've carried on regardless and the plot is looking good. All produce beds are full of fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers growing away - albeit a bit slower and stunted by the weather but there's time yet. 

The ground had been cleared for designing and marking our ornamental beds - these will be placed in Autumn with plenty of pollinator-friendly flowers and shrubs. Autumn is the perfect time for establishing a new bed - the ground is nicely warmed up, and you won't have to water constantly as you would if you planted at the beginning of Spring. We can't wait to choose all those lovely plants. 

We have our biennial seeds growing away at Oldroyd's Corner (the Garden under Glass) - Wallflowers, Foxglove, Sweet Rockets and Sweet Williams - lovely cottage garden flowers. 

The trainees have been learning about and identifying weeds, the biggest bane of a Gardener's life. But I like to think to know your weeds is to control your weeds! So we have been talking about methods to prevent and reduce weeds, as well as how to remove them. We don't do any spraying on the plot but lots of hoeing, hand weeding and mulching.

Here's hoping for a warm and balmy August, the combines are out, so here's wishing the farmers a successful harvest too!