Bordering at Norton Conyers, 22nd February 2018

Bordering at Norton Conyers, 22nd February 2018

The weather forecast has rarely been a matter of concern for me. Being British it’s an expected topic of conversation, but today I had reason to check the forecast. Cloudy but DRY! After Monday’s damp gardening initiation, I looked forward to more pleasant working conditions. 

It proved to be a chilly and slightly misty start; this atmosphere beautifully complements the historic setting and intrigue of Norton Conyers. The environment is beautiful in itself, but the mist gives an additional veiled layer which seems to resonate through the ages; I felt a connection with Charlotte Bronte and understood how she would have taken inspiration from this place in her writing - not just in Jane Eyre . 

The equipment required today - wheelbarrows, buckets, spades, forks. The three wheelbarrows available were of different ages and materials, and each with its own character. Although battered and rusty, with a few holes the eldest of the wheelbarrows remained sturdy and reliable - like an old friend. But all three would be well used today.

One of the two main borders was to be tackled today. I was struck immediately, not only by Giles’ plant knowledge, but his ability to recognise a species from its root or surface growth. He uses the Latin names too! It became apparent that there was a lot for me to learn here.

Plum, Giles' Dog

I realised at this point that I had not seen Sandy and Plum since I parked my car. Giles said he’d seen them attempting to manage the rat population! Sure enough, distant barking would be heard for much of the morning.

Whiteroot (Gouania lupuloides) and Bindweed (Convolvulus) were the main enemies today. A pile was created for any roots or plantmatter of these species to ensure segregation and appropriate  disposal.

Gate to the Woodlands

Managing this border required the removal - not only of weeds - but of healthy plants too. Acanthus and Thermopsis were among the many species that required cutting back - or removal altogether - to stop them ‘taking over’ or overwhelming the border. 

Working close to the earth is a sensual experience - picking up on the subtle scents of roots, wood and the freshness of the earth. 

The day involved regular trips to the woods to dispose of barrow-loads of organic material. It is striking to witness the resourcefulness of the gardener - almost all waste has a good use: hazel twigs for plant supports; woody roots and weeds placed in rabbit holes; woody stems creating habitats for insects; other organic matter being recycled in the garden via the compost heap. Indeed, huge quantities of compost were reinvested into the garden today, with Giles’ dumper twice replenishing our stocks.

Another heavy, yet satisfying day drew to an end; sunshine brought a taste of the coming spring. We had enjoyed perfect gardening conditions - cool, crisp and dry - not too bright. It was striking to see how turning over the earth had breathed fresh life into the borders. I will watch its development over the coming months with growing interest.

Snowdrops (Galanthus) in the Woodland Outside the Walled Gardens