The rain has really not stopped in 2024, and we are thinking of commissioning an Ark! The ground remains sodden; our works, due to be completed for our NGS opening on the 1st and 2nd of June, are nowhere close to being ready. More diggers are an impossibility, and the new area scowls at me, waterlogged, still with metalwork to be collected, black and unlovely. The only ones who are happy with the new area are the bees, who now have a palatial new raised platform. They are loving their new little village and the early blossom all around.
Easter has been pretty fantastic: some sunshine, a little rain (where would we be without it!), and some breeze. Picking up treefall is part of life at Ferns Lodge; I now do it in my sleep. Glass half full, in anticipation of wonderful days in the garden, the terrace furniture is now out, and Easter was just the right time to finish painting all the chairs. I am particularly proud of our shocking pink chairs… ‘Get some pink paint,’ I said airily to lovely gardener Simon—and VERY pink it is too.
Our sky blue bench is now bright yellow because I wanted to have a kindness seat at Ferns Lodge — so that if anyone is seated there on their own, you can go and chat with them. I think it’s a lovely idea, although all the wonderful people who will visit us this summer will be kind to anyone here alone anyway, I know…
The removal of laurel is a constant part of the rhythm of Ferns Lodge garden. It is invasive, very fast-growing, and difficult to get rid of. Our latest clearance is now ready for planting, and the shrubs along with a wonderful multi-stem birch will be here next week — I can’t wait! The area close to it desperately needs earth and rolling and seeding, and we are hoping that we will be dry enough to get the earth in before June. Unattractive craters left by the drilling of laurel stumps are all around.
And then there is caterpillar, who put in his first proper appearance over the holiday. Ghillie the lab has his eleventh birthday in June and now enjoys sleeping in the garden while gardening is going on, or relaxing in the kitchen nice and close to the Aga. However, he still follows me around from time to time, with caterpillar in his jaws and a hopeful look on his face.
The potting on is also starting. It’s always so exciting to see what we have overwintered come to life and get ready for the new season, and to go out into the garden, and importantly, into our plant sale. Last autumn I discovered rooting powder. I went a bit mad with the lavender, but all good!
So all systems go, the birds are singing fit to bust, the bluebells will be out soon, and the camellias are in full flower. Elsewhere, there is the rustle of spring and the encouraging sight of buds on our wonderful rhodos. Looking forward to seeing you in June.
Contact sue.grant@fernslodge.co.uk.