Despite the continuing rain (I really think that the UK could use a roof!) and cool east and north winds, now that we are in March, when the sun peeps through, Spring has definitely arrived here at NGS Garden Ferns Lodge. The low overnight temperatures and frosts have hit some of the bulbs and new growth, and the tree ferns are pretty unhappy but generally – all is good.
The mammoth job of mulching the top garden is officially completed. Despite the literally dozens of wheel barrows of wonderful homegrown compost on the beds, there is plenty of compost left. It cuts like chocolate cake and is terrific stuff, and of course gets better with age.
The elephant that is the burgeoning vegetable garden is taking shape slowly, with massive posts concreted in – ready to be sheathed in wire, and broad beans, rhubarb and other treats coming on away from Ferns Lodge and ready to be planted when the area is secure. So far it has been far too wet to attempt the final levelling of the ground but we pray for some dry days and live in hope.
Elsewhere there are bluebells getting ready to flower everywhere and the primroses have multiplied this year, popping up in all sorts of unexpected places.
We have hyacinths and campion and very brave camellias all coming into bloom in red and pink and white.
Daffodils are flowering randomly reminding me to PLANT MORE BULBS! next winter, both standards and there are also stacks of the tiny wild ones which flower first, last for ages and look completely enchanting.
The National Garden Scheme are serious about garden openings this summer and we are hoping for a normal opening on the 5th and 6th June. A Zoom call with all the Hampshire NGS garden owners reminded me what an experienced and committed lot they are and how much there is to do.
Our mighty oaks are just starting to come back to life and the acers are definitely starting to be quite serious about putting out leaf. In the coming weeks the skeleton of the garden will again be covered in all shades of green as the marvellous spring flush starts. The birds are upping the volume of their song, and the lawnmowers are serviced and have had already had their first outing.
NGS garden Ferns Lodge is very serious about the coming year and you can practically hear the rustle of growth, and so I finish this post, don my trusty wellies and get serious also, about a new season gardening…
Contact sue.grant@fernslodge.co.uk.