Rob Isenor, Head Gardener

Maple Tree

Indian Bean Tree Heart Shaped Leaf

September 2010 – Gardener’s News

Seasonal changes constantly breathe new life into the Park and, with the autumn months fast approaching, we are looking forward to an injection of colour, courtesy of our trees.

One of the most noticeable changes in the Park, the trees offer a new vibrance as they draw back the nutrients in their leaves, leaving only waste materials.  This is what gives them their glorious colour; so if you are visiting us later this month, look out for the maples in the Jubilee Garden and on Maple Walk – they’re usually stunning, with their rich reds and orange displays.

We will soon start the task of dismantling the current displays in preparation for next year.  Our numerous hanging baskets are taken down to be stored in the greenhouse so that we can take cuttings over the winter, while we remove the tender perennials such as Dahlias for safe keeping and cut back other harder varieties.

In addition to the routine care and maintenance of the gardens, it’s also time to harvest the fruit from our orchard and the various fruit-bearing plants which grow within the Park.  Our crop is used to complement the animals’ diet, but in addition to the obvious apples and pears, we also collect acorns, elderberries and hawthorn berries. 

While we’re on the subject of fruit…..here’s a challenge for you: during your next visit see if you can spot one of our Indian Bean trees.  They have a stunning green, heart shaped leaf and should be sporting an impressive display of long bean pods this month!

And finally…..I thought you might appreciate a quick report on our progress in the Herb Garden.  Last month I mentioned that we would be transforming the area into a Courtyard Garden in preparation for the start of our new season in February. Well, I am delighted to inform you that work started according to plan with the clearing of beds and the laying of flagstones.  I’ll keep you posted!

Rob Isenor, Head Gardener.