HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH - APRIL 2010

After the bitter winter the gardens are beginning to awaken. The gardeners are feeding the roses and rest of the garden plants and tidying up the last of the rubbish in the beds as they go. Soon they will start thinking about pest control - spraying the roses to catch aphids early and slug control round hostas, delphiniums and other susceptible plants. Pea stick (hazel) cages are about to be built to give tall perennials support, with a natural look, as they grow.

Lawn work will also begin in earnest. First the moss will be killed and then they will be scarified – this pulls out any dead moss and grass. All the lawns will be fertilised and have their edges tidied then mowing will begin and continue through summer – all rather late this year because of the bad winter.

Tulips are looking as if they are catching up nicely after the cold, snowy winter now that the weather has warmed up. Keith, the head gardener, is confident that they will flower at their usual time ready for the Tulip Festival – 23rd April every day until 3rd May.

In the Kitchen garden seedlings have been held back in the greenhouse while the weather was cold and David has been preparing the ground and weeding. Now seed sowing has started in the open – including lots of salad leaves for the café.

The sculpture has all arrived and much effort has gone into careful placing so that the display complements the gardens without overwhelming them. There are some old favourites and many new pieces as well – I do hope they add to your enjoyment.

Season Tickets
A Season Ticket, £26.50, allows entry to the gardens on all open days and includes a bi-annual newsletter and invitations to special events, allows you to book tables for lunch (except on Festival days) and bring a non-member friend for half price on certain days. Perfect whether you visit to enjoy our Gardens or the great food in our Garden Room café. We can also provide vouchers, in values of £5 and £10 or the price of entrance to the gardens, for those looking for gift ideas. Our facilities are available for private hire on the Mondays and Fridays during the season and over the whole week, excluding Sundays, in autumn and winter. Please contact us should you wish to celebrate a special event here on 01580 200888 or email: info@pashleymanorgardens.com.
 

I hope to see you here soon.

	James A. Sellick