A Month of Contrasts - July 2019

I write on 1st August - Yorkshire Day - and it seems quite appropriate to be doing so. July saw the very best and the worst of the Yorkshire weather; unfortunately the recent deluges have badly affected local areas. But overall, the mix of weather has been conducive to a very healthy garden.

The highlight of the month was Norton Conyers' inclusion in Country Life magazine - the article providing a detailed insight into the history of the house, gardens and estate, and how the garden continues to evolve. The author of the article, Non Morris describes:

'there has been an incredible and passionate battle to restore and preserve the house. It's [Sir James and Lady Halina]'s tenacity, generosity and unflagging sense of duty in their role as guardians of such a special place that pervades every aspect of Norton Conyers today.'

A quote from Lady Graham included in the article describes Head Gardener Giles' work:

'I think Giles has got the eye of an artist. His colours are very subtle.'

Perhaps the ultimate example of the clever planting in the garden is the main border, which is currently abundant with shades that combine to create a visually sensual experience. Unlike the artist, Giles has only his memory and knowledge to draw upon when he instructs the team to go about their work. It is remarkable to think of the 'blank canvas' that is worked with in the winter months - how decisions made during this period have such a strong influence on the appearance and overall feel of the garden months later.

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Last year, we endured a lengthy heatwave, which made for a difficult growing season; twelve months on, and the colour around the garden is more vibrant, with a lush, verdant backdrop.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

A favourite plant of mine is the Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), which emerged in bright shades of pink, red and magenta. In isolation, each is a tiny firework, but with the countless flowers in this section of the cut-flower border, the result is a sea of colour.

Giles and I continued our work by the lakeside during the first weeks of July. We continued our assault of the Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). Having cleared as much as we can at this stage, we will return later in the year to remove any new growth, and so prevent the exploding seed heads from spreading this invasive species.

Bright green foliage is now abundant in the woods, and the lake itself is filled with plant life; a stark contrast to the scene in January of this year.

January 2019

July 2019

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The gardens have been a hive of insect activity - particularly towards the end of July - with butterflies and bees paying particular attention to the lavender borders. 

Blue Thistle (Eryngium planum)

Anthirrhinum

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

Poppy (Papaveroideae)

Lavender (Lavendula)

Dahlias

A favourite plant of mine during this season is the Acanthus or Bear's Breeches. With its towering structure, and outstretched tongue-like leaves, the spiky plant has great visual and structural appeal.

Bear's Breeches (Acanthus)

A particular highlight of the gardening year for me is the ripening of fruit. Raspberries, whitecurrants and redcurrants were among the ripening berries in July, with blueberries and apples well on the way.

But as this new life emerged, so the process of removing exhausted plants from the vegetable garden began. Cauliflowers had been a great success, and the remains of the plants needed digging up. Remaining peas and mange tout were harvested, before removing the plants. We had limited success with the strawberry plants this year due to squirrels and other four-legged invaders. Some of the plants were at the end of their three-year 'cycle', so 'runners' were removed to produce news plants, before the old plants were discarded.

However, many of the vegetables are only just maturing, so the harvest season will continue for a number of weeks yet. In order to maintain the environment, work weeding and digging over the soil continued throughout the month. 

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And so, despite a wet weather forecast for the next few days, the sun is at least trying to break through on Yorkshire Day. Plum, Gile's dog will most likely be making the most of the dry weather!

In addition to usual opening times on Mondays and Thursday, the gardens are now open every Sunday until 8th September. For further details about the house opening, visit http://www.nortonconyers.org.uk/opening.html