May promised to be a busy month in the gardens at Norton Conyers. With 2019's first opening of the House and Gardens, a wedding and the NGS (National Garden Scheme) opening just around the corner, the only short-cuts being taken would be when cutting the grass!
It was also the month in which some of the garden's most popular flowers bloomed.
But on my first day in the gardens in May, it was the simple emergence of fresh growth on the White Willow (Saxis alba) which piqued my interest. The willow was pollarded in March, and the new growth will reach remarkable heights.
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| Saxis alba (White Willow) |
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| Before pollarding, March 2019 |
But the real excitement of the month was seen in the unfurling of Iris flowers. It is known that irises are best two years after splitting, and 2019 is that year! As each bud began to fill out, so its shade gradually transformed to reveal the flower's eventual colour.
The yellow irises were the first to bloom - petals reaching out as though stretching from a slumber. Their true form gradually revealed itself, with intricate delicacy. However, it wasn't until mid-May that the border truly began to truly show off its colours.
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| 5th May |
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| 13th May |
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| 13th May |
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| 20th May |
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| 30th May |
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| 30th May |
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| Iris border, 9th May 2019 |
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| Iris border, 3rd June 2019 |
The timing of the NGS Opening on the 2nd of June was perfect to allow visitors to see the Iris border in their absolute prime.
So, the Irises somewhat stole the show in May, but many other glorious flowers made their presence felt.
The Wisteria above the apple store door sprung to life in its lilac radiance - emitting its sweet, intoxicating scent.
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| Wisteria |
Surrounding the South entrance to the Orangery is the glorious Rosa banksiae lutea - its subtle beauty was revealed with its gentle golden hue.
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| Rosa banksiae lutea |
Outside of the gardens, a carpet of bluebells provided Spring enchantment - stretching over acres of verdant woodland.
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| Bluebells |
Walking through the woods, I came again to the lake, which had transformed almost beyond recognition since last seeing it in January.
Work for me this month mainly consisted of grass cutting and road repairs - both time-consuming jobs!
NGS Open Day, June 2nd 2019
And so one of the main highlights of the year at Norton Conyers arrived. With the new car park full for much of the day, plant sales and afternoon tea proved very popular.
In contrast with last year's NGS Opening (which fell on 3rd June), tea was served in the stable-yard, and the peonies were not yet in flower.
With mixed weather reports, the rain thankfully held off, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the Spring beauty of the gardens.
The year is now in full flow and we look forward with anticipation to the warming summer.
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| Tea in the stable yard |
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| Plants for sale |
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