Autumn Leaves - August 2018

'Discovery' Apples

Autumn crept up on us this year. The transition seemed fast and definite after a summer that seemed at times to be endless.

I first noticed the onset of autumn walking on the Stray in Harrogate in mid August, with the first expiring leaves laying lifelessly on the pavement. Although the temperature remained fairly mild in the subsequent days, the change in the weather following this came rapidly and unexpectedly. 

However, more subtle signs of the change in the seasons were already present in nature, with beautiful Cyclamen Hederifolium growing outside Norton Conyers House, apples falling around the gardens and autumn raspberries ripening.

Cyclamen Hederifolium

Pony Paddock Transformation

The most notable change in the weather came on September 3rd, which started off mild and bright. David, Giles and I were busy making the preparations for a new car park in the disused pony paddock. A digger and steamroller had been hired for this purpose, and we spent the day digging up grass and sandy earthy. 

The shape of a road and pathway was visible by lunchtime; in the afternoon, David and I picked up rakes to spread the Yorkshire stone gravel that Giles moved around with the digger and dumper.

And the clouds descended; rain came and persisted. Waterproof jackets were donned by David and I; Giles sat happily dry in the digger, poking regular fun - 'Is it raining out there?!' This was the first time the sky had truly been darkened, and I now knew summer really was over.

The digger was employed for another two days, and after another delivery of stone chipping and much raking, the car park was completed - ready for a wedding on the 15th September. However, grass seed still needs spreading around the perimeter and Giles aims to transform the adjoining area into a wildflower meadow.

The disused Pony Paddock

The path to the new car park

Before

David and Giles at work digging out the car park

After - grass seed yet to scatter!

Autumn Crops

The last of the runner beans and french beans were gathered towards the end of August, and a plentiful crop of sweetcorn was harvested. This year's growing conditions have favoured the growth of very healthy crops - and grapes, plums, damsons and tomatoes have been amongst other recent success stories.

Onions now hang in the Apple store and pumpkins - grown on the compost heaps - sit in a line on a wall. These images are powerful reminders of the time of year - of wholesome, home-cooked food and cooler, shorter days.

Onions hanging in the Apple Store

Pumpkins lining the walls

Wedding Preparations

Mowing continued on a weekly basis throughout August and into September in preparation for the wedding. Weeding and tidying were prioritised in the weeks leading up to the wedding as a result, with the Yew hedges (Taxus Baccata) trimmed by David and Giles.

The garden remained full of life, colour and structural interest at the time of the wedding.

The erection of the wedding marquee

Ready for the big day!

Norton Conyers Supporting WFGA

Rebecca (Bex) Moore-Yelland works in the gardens at Norton Conyers through the WRAGS (Work and Retrain as a Gardener) Scheme. The scheme is run by WFGA (Womens Farm and Garden Association) for which Rebecca is the regional manager for Yorkshire.

Norton Conyers was pleased to be able to support Rebecca's work for the WFGA at The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show in mid September. The beautiful garden created by the WFGA won a Gold Award.

WFGA's Garden at The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show explored 'Pushing the boundaries for access to horticulture'

Into Autumn

As the less favourable weather starts to descend, thoughts now turn to juicing apples, cutting back the summer growth, tidying and making preparations for next year. I wonder what Giles has in store for us next?!