The very heavy breezes and massive amount of tree fall that they leave behind have now exited stage left of NGS Garden Ferns Lodge. The rain has also stopped and the sun has come out – the rustle of growth is palpable and the weeds are loving it too!!!
As the temperature rises everything has decided to come out together – much of it in the wrong order – we still have bluebells which are flowering alongside irises and rhodos. Very excitingly for the first time, I think that the wonderful tree rhododendron at the top of the big garden may well be open for next weekend…
Amongst all the growth and warmth, and worry about what people will eat, where they will sit and where their cars will go – the inevitable trip to my go to nursery at Bashley brought reality well and truly home. There in the first greenhouse is an enormous poster announcing that Ferns Lodge is opening 5th and 6th June.
The lovely Paul pictured here is a grand wizard of plants and which he did say that the poster was so big he might have to get planning permission – it’s up!!!
Back in the garden, the grass is growing at an alarming rate. Cutting everything takes a full day, so we are watching the weather forecast carefully and extra petrol has been bought for the trusty sit upon and hopefully all will be well. The tree ferns are all having babies and it is possible that the full monte of rhodos in the bottom meadow will be in flower and the vegetable cage is full of – vegetables!!! The final finishing looks as if it is a bridge too far – so please everyone – imagination needed!
The upper garden should by next Saturday be a riot of colour, the foxgloves are just starting to bud and the sweet peas are beginning to scramble up towards daylight and flowering. The figs are gently putting forth their elegant leaves and forget me knots are everywhere. The pergola looks a little bare but clematis, jasmine and honeysuckle are moving in rapidly to cover the framework and whilst it will be very much in evidence next weekend – it will not be long before it is covered in greenery and lovely flowers.
So are we ready? Not really, and rose coloured spectacles and stout shoes are still needed! However, we are so much looking forward to welcoming you, feeding you tea, cupcakes and scones. Here’s hoping for glorious sunny days next weekend…
Contact sue.grant@fernslodge.co.uk – https://www.facebook.com/events/1188644934882737/.