Spring into Summer & NGS - Norton Conyers, 2018

Spring into Summer & NGS - Norton Conyers, 2018

Iris croatica

What has struck me most whilst working at Norton Conyers has been the rapid speed of change. Giles is keen to ensure all work is completed efficiently, and this shows in the garden's maintenance and progress. However, the speed with which nature works is even more surprising. 

It has given me a heightened awareness of the passage of time: the brief yet stunning flowering of the irises; the blossom - falling as quickly as it blooms; the rapid growth of willow. Somehow it has made every moment of my time in the gardens more precious - everything needs to be absorbed and appreciated in the moment, as the beauty shifts fleetingly from species to species.

All of this change is hard to keep up with! As Giles often says, there is always so much we could do!

Pride is taken in all of the work we undertake and the progress we make working two days a week is quite remarkable. I suppose there is a certain charm in the fact that the garden is always a work in progress. Any 'perfect' garden is fleetingly so. However, perfection always exists in some capacity, and can be found in individual species at certain moments in time.

Papaver orientale 'Victoria Louise'

Whilst writing this, I am reminded of a book by Jon McGregor, 'If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things'. Perhaps that is what I hope to achieve with my blog to an extent - bring to life those moments that cannot be repeated or replicated, and that can be so easily missed.

The vegetable garden began to take shape in May, as brassicas, beans, root vegetables, cauliflowers and spinach were planted. The strawberries had been introduced in April as the paths were completed. Much watering was required due to the hot May weather.

Grass

Pressure mounted in mid May to have the gardens ready for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) Charity opening. But the grass doesn't stop growing for anything! The huge main green in the walled gardens had to be mown in its entirety by the push mower. The bag stayed on to collect cuttings too - this was a time-consuming process, but worth the effort; it was satisfying to see games being played on the pristine lawn on the open day itself.

NGS Open Gardens

The day for the charity opening of the gardens arrived (June 3rd), and as I pulled my car into the temporary car park (normally known as the paddock), there was little sense of the busyness that was to come. The weather was unremarkable - overcast, but dry - and so the forecast for the whole atmosphere of the day itself also seemed fairly unremarkable.

Rosa banksea ‘lutea’ outside the Orangery 

I stood by the gate in a fluorescent yellow jacket and looked down the winding drive adjacent to the house. As 2pm (the opening time) approached, cars begun to slowly meander their way towards me. As they approached I waved them towards the car park.

By 2.40, nearly 100 people had passed through the gates. Monty Don had given the NGS a mention on Gardeners World on the Friday; it appears his plug was a success!

Bex ushered the cars into neat lines, as Steve (Bex's husband) and volunteer Sue manned the gate. Meanwhile, Giles and Emma sold plants outside the orangery; inside, Carol (Giles' wife), Beth and her two boys served tea and cake. Resident artist David's wife, Becky, had set up games on the lawn (and a miniature golf course around the peonies) There was much to do and see for the £6 entry fee. 

David's completed 'Wandering Aengus'

I was soon employed to help Hazel (a volunteer I hadn't yet met) in the washing-up area in the Bothy. A fast turnaround on the crockery was required to keep up with the demand for tea and cake!

A blooming Peony

Hazel had set up a book stall in the neighbouring room, but with an honesty 'basket' in place, her services were in greater demand in the catering department!

Despite the luke-warm weather, the atmosphere was first rate - relaxed and convivial. With the garden at its best, and areas to be enjoyed by all ages, the day proved to be a tremendous success.

But no one worked harder than Mr and Mrs G! Carol had spent five days baking cakes, whilst Giles had brought and set up garden furniture, games and tables and chairs for the day. 

Takings for the NGS were substantial and the money from plant and tea and cake sales went towards the upkeep of the gardens. A successful day, enjoyed by all! But the hard work in the gardens continues...