News
DIG THIS AUGUST - OCTOBER 2024
Thursday 1st August 2024
Summer is here – is it - finally?
It has been a very strange few months with cooler temperatures than we are used to, and a lot of rain. This has encouraged weeds to sprout on a more
regular basis increasing the workload of the gardeners. We are concerned however that we are seeing fewer bees because the wet weather has made it
harder for them to forage.
Thankfully it looks like we are finally going to get some summer weather to help the bees and other insects to survive this year.
Bamboo.
The elimination of the remaining areas of bamboo in both gardens is in the final
phase after grinding the rhizomes into the soil. This process retains the
goodness and leaves areas of bare soil that will be ready for planting in spring
2025. However, site inspections by the specialist company will continue well
into 2028 to carry out any treatments necessary. It is understood that the purchase of some varieties of bamboo is now being discouraged because it can
cause such havoc when planted with no barriers to prevent its spread.
Replanting of the north garden.
This planting did not get underway until well into June, as the gardeners were experiencing a number of issues with sourcing plants. Eventually, a large part
of the north bank of the north garden which had been cleared of bamboo was replanted with lonicera, hebes, ceanothus, hydrangeas, lilac, fuchsias etc., which
will provide some much-needed structure and colour. There has also been some new planting of mainly ceanothus in an area cleared of bamboo on the south
bank at the rear of Coracle Way; ceanothus is an evergreen which will produce a bank of lovely bright blue flowers in early summer. We are pleased to add that Emma-Jayne Pepper the new property manager from Warwick Estates is taking a very active interest in the development of all of the estate grounds.
Tree surgery.
This is still under discussion but is on hold until the leaves have fallen.
Gerry Smith (RMC) and David Brown (co-opted as a gardening advisor to the RMC board).