Looking good in summer 2025
One of the joys of early summer are those long evenings, full of flowers and wildlife. Our delphiniums, peaches and roses are at their peak and are particularly special during the softer light. One of the best parts of my job is enjoying the garden at the end of the day as I lock up and put the garden (and the chickens) to bed for the evening.
Our pergola borders are filling up with sunflowers for this summer, as we tackle the bindweed in other parts of the border, in preparation for permanent planting this autumn and spring. I am delighted with the colour and progress of the Sunken Garden, demonstrating that a fertile soil is not essential for a riot of colour.
Please, can I ask for your help once more? We are receiving several complaints that visitors are letting their dogs off the lead in the Arboretum and Gardens. Young deer, leverets, and ducklings are all over the garden, and dogs off the lead are detrimental to a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to encourage biodiversity. We love that our four-legged friends can enjoy the garden too, but to continue this, we need an understanding from dog owners. Please help me and the team to educate those who disrespect the rules, or may I suggest that they find a local woods to walk their dogs instead.
Tom Brown, The Head Gardener
