A Year at Norton Conyers - February 2019

And so, this month marked a year working at Norton Conyers for me. I feel very privileged to have the chance to work in this glorious, historic estate - helping to build on the work of previous generations.

Having started this blog on my first day working in the gardens on 19th February 2018,  now is a good opportunity to look back and reflect at how the gardens have evolved in that time, and also how differently the garden grows from year to year.

There was little sense of Spring in the air on my first day last year - in fact, it rained for the entire day! And towards the end of February 2018, the infamous 'Beast from the East' hit, bringing much of the country to a standstill.

This year, it seems we had the worst of the winter cold at the end of January. And with temperatures reaching 18C in parts of the country during February, the weather continues to keep all of us on our toes.

And with warmer temperatures bringing trees into bud, and signs of life beginning to emerge from their winter dormancy, there was certainly the sense that 'Spring sprung' in February this year.

*

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) in bud

The dumper truck was in full use for the duration of this month. It is a well-used asset to the estate and owes nothing after nearly 60 years of service! I used it to transport tonnes of freshly-cut logs from the woods to be seasoned. It also had the purpose of collecting waste metal from around the estate to be recycled.

Whereas usually habitat piles would be built with waste garden material, the volume produced through cutting back shrubs, ivy and brambles meant some of it would have to be burned. We rarely burn material at Norton Conyers, but sometimes it is a necessity. As plant material was cut back between the boundary of the woodland and the car park, and along the south wall of the gardens, I loaded the dumper truck and transported the material to the old tennis courts, where a bonfire was started.

*

Whereas the Snowdrops (Galanthus) had only recently emerged this time last year, their prime had already been enjoyed by the beginning of February 2019. Throughout the month, they would become tired and tinged with brown. But as Snowdrops herald the beginning of Spring, so this meant the gardens would quickly begin to transform with fresh life.

Rhubarb (Rheum) was relocated (and some removed) in bud on 26th February last year; a year to the day, and - in a show of the early onset of Spring - some had already sprouted. 

Rhubarb (Rheum)

*

The mist was thick on the morning of the 25th February; after a glorious few weeks of weather, it was a reminder that we were still in February, and winter weather would still make an appearance.

On this morning, I was set the task of digging out the Chrystanthemums within the willow-bordered garden. All withered and in a monotone dull brown, they offered a stark contrast to the varied pastel shades that were enjoyed over the summer. Again - a reminder of the passing of the seasons, and the stark contrasts in colour, texture and light offered in the gardens throughout the year.

Chrysanthemums, Feb 2019

Chrysanthemums, July 2018

Next, it was to the vegetable garden. Bex had strimmed the Manure Grass which had been sown towards the end of 2018. Alan, Bex, Margaret and I turned over the Manure Grass with spades. It is sown as a fast-growing grass, which, when turned back into the earth, breaks down to enrich the earth - it is a natural fertiliser, which also discourages the growth of weeds.

After our morning break, the sun suddenly began to break through the clouds and mist, and the temperature soon began to rise; jackets and jumpers were promptly removed.

And as some of the remaining vegetables were removed from the patch in the afternoon, these milestones in the seasons remind us to look forward to the new growth which will appear over the coming weeks and months.

February ended in glorious sunshine, and as winter dissolves, the cycle of life begins again.

Lakeside Logging at Norton Conyers - January 2019

January 31st

-7.5 Celsius as I passed Nunwick on the way to Norton Conyers. It is the morning of the 31st of January and the coldest night of the season has been endured across the country. The bitter temperatures have bitten throughout much of the month, but the January weather concluded with a numbing vengeance. I walked around the outside of the gardens - senses heightened with the sub-zero temperatures amplifying the eerie silence. Every leaf, twig and blade of grass fixed and fragile in a coarse, crisp shell.

Frosted Garden Gates, 31st January 2019

8.30am

1.15pm

January 3rd

The year had started without frost. Giles and I began 2019 by removing the remainder of the apple tree Malus 'Beauty of Bath' which had been cut down before Christmas. Snowdrops (Galanthus) were beginning to emerge around the tree trunk, and these were lifted before digging up the earth. With axe and chainsaw, thick roots were cut. With rope attached, the tractor was used to pull and twist it out of the earth.

The chainsaw was used once again by Giles and the trunk broken into logs. The earth was replaced - extra compost added and Snowdrops carefully replanted. The job was completed - leaving barely any trace of the 50-year-old tree which once stood. The 'Egremont Russet' planted in close proximity now had space to grow and flourish.

Into the Woods

Next - into the woods. The initial stretch of the pathway was cleared, and habitat piles tidied and consolidated. We then ambled towards the lake, with tools in hand. The area surrounding the lake had been untended for years and it would be a significant undertaking to cut back foliage and retrieve fallen trees from the water. We would spend much of our January days working by the lake.

Starting on the south bank, overhanging branches, brambles and bamboo were cut back, gradually revealing an enhanced view across the lake. I was then employed to cut climbing Ivy (Hedera Helix) on trees to prevent them from being weighed down. I remarked at the woody stalks of the Ivy - some of which were thick enough to be small trees themselves.

Ivy (Hedera Helix)

As we made our way around the lake, we came across a headstone - for a horse. A small pet cemetery also exists in the woodland near the house and - as I later discovered - across the lake.

Luxury
A Chestnut Gelding
Died 18th July 1918
Aged 16 Years
A Celebrated Hunter
& Jumper First in the
Kings Cup at Olympia
1907 & 1908
Malise Graham

The Emergence of Life

As the month progressed, subtle glimmers of colour emerged. Most prominently, vibrant strands of lemon and lime sprung from a beautiful Witch Hazel (Hamemelis) to the east of the Orangery. The Hamemelis has a sense of gentle, graceful movement about it - the flowing flowers like the tentacles of a sea anemone. In the dull January light, the Witch Hazel seems to emit its own source of light and bears a delicate scent which belies the season. 

 Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

But, the reality is that new life is all around us even at the dullest, darkest time of year. Knowing where to look for it is the key. As we walked towards the western garden door, Beth spotted a Hepatica in the undergrowth - it is a small, violet flower of the buttercup family. There is something very special about these small glimmers of fresh colour - a clear display of thriving life and a promise of new life to come.

Hepatica

Lakeside

The lakeside clear-up continued. A Willow (Salix) lay in the water - parts completely submerged and sitting in thick mud. Removing it was a real challenge. Loppers were used to remove branches, before a rope was tied. The tractor was then employed to wrench the tree out of the lake. But there was not enough room for manoeuvre and insufficient leverage; I drove the tractor around the perimeter of the lake and into an adjoining field, stopping behind my previous location.

The tractor wheels slipped and struggled to gain traction as it heaved, and Giles climbed onto the trailer for extra ballast! And after moving onto fresh ground the remainder of the tree emerged from the water. The mud in which it had been buried was very smelly; moving it into habitat piles was an unpleasant business!

Willow (Saxis)

The lake was starting to reveal itself and its true beauty. As the month progressed, bright blue skies created stunning reflections in the water.

In mid-January, Giles cut up a recently felled cherry tree and this was transported to the woodyard using the dumper truck - a huge undertaking, which unfortunately took its toll on the old machine. A section of the bodywork came loose, which required welding. But once Giles had attended to it, the dumper truck continued to fill the woodyard throughout the month, and the last day of January consisted of felling and logging an established Ash tree (Fraxinus).

Hopeful Plum at lunchtime

Hopeful Shandy at lunchtime

Snowdrops

The snowdrops quickly grew and filled out throughout the month - the budding flowers gradually appearing plump and heavy. They are a welcome sight across the estate, adding patches of winter joy to the barren earth.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Keepers Cottage

Towards the end of the month, we made our way down the lane to Keepers Cottage. Earlier in the month I had ventured in this direction before starting work; I had seen six herons in one field and four roe deer in another - all at the same time!

Work was needed in the garden of the Keepers Cottage, and foliage needed clearing. Derek, Emma and I had the unenviable task of removing a very hardy Philadelphus (Mock Orange), which was obscuring the view from the kitchen. The Philadelphus grows small bowl-shaped white flowers in the summer, with orange centres. However, when removing this shrub from the earth, it was difficult to imagine that it was capable of growing such delicate flowers. It took a great deal of digging, axing and leveraging to remove the base of it from the ground.

Derek attacking the remains of the Philadelphus

With vast quantities of Ivy removed from brickwork, and last-years growth cut back, we left the Keepers Cottage. Giles and I would return on the next working day to remove an aging conifer and unhealthy plum tree (which was also obstructing a window). Both of these were easily removed with spade and tractor.

Cold Shandy huddling into one of the gardener's lunches to keep warm!!

Ivy

We were all exasperated with Ivy towards the end of the month; cutting it back from walls and trees had kept us occupied for days around the lake and in the wider estate. We spent much time clearing in the woodland to the north of the house and at Wath Lodge which is 3/4 of a mile away. But this is necessary to prevent it from 'taking over' and causing damage.

January

January 2019 - a cold, yet physical and incredibly satisfying month. It was a pleasant surprise to see the subtle beauty in nature at this time of year, but also a delight to enjoy the clean, glimmering frosts and low, rolling mists which provided atmospheric backdrops. However, it was also a month in which I witnessed some of the most dramatic, beautiful skies I have ever seen - a selection of which I now end with.

Christmas at Norton Conyers

Festive Shandy

And so the end of the year approached. Days were bookended by darkness, and available working hours shortened.

Frost was regularly seen on the grass in the mornings, and sharp, crisp and cleansing air was refreshing - or biting - depending on the number of layers worn. Damp earth was a constant feature.

But echoes of summer were still on display - the season's growth provided plenty of work over the subsequent weeks.

*

Mid November 

Weeds and plant growth in the round garden were cleared, before turning over the earth and mulching. Giles handed round a fallen 'bletted' Medlar fruit - it was much like a fig in both taste and texture. Bletted fruits are 'overripe' and are in the early stages of decay - the starches have converted to sugar. Although medlars are not commonly found nowadays, they were widely cultivated in medieval times - they were popular because they can be stored for a long time after picking - useful at a time when food was very difficult to preserve. Medlars can only be eaten raw when bletted. However, the ripe fruits were picked for making jelly, which is available to purchase in the gardens. 

Medlar Trees

*

A greyscale colour scheme loomed over a cold Norton Conyers the next working day. Work in the round garden was to continue, with shrubs to be pruned. The Elder (sambucae) in demanded particular time and attention. Saws and loppers were used to maintain the shrub's shape and structure - sidewards growth was cut, leaving taller, vertical growth.

Sambucae (Elder)

The dumper truck was used to transfer the mass of branches to the woods, and it was employed for the rest of the day tidying the south border.

*

I wandered towards 'The Keepers Cottage' before work started in late November. Having travelled in the dark, a clear, atmospheric morning quickly revealed itself as I walked - salmon-tinted clouds and an almost egg-shaped moon still suspended in the sky. A golden streak of light started to expand over the fields. And - although cold, the bright, dry weather provided a pleasant working environment for the rest of the day.

Towards The Keepers Cottage

We worked on clearing the garden's main border - a significant undertaking, with masses of growth removed. However, with nearly a full quota of gardeners and volunteers on hand, this work was completed quickly.

Clearing the borders

*

The orangery borders were cleared, and Rosa Floribunda Iceberg (a beautiful white rose) were pruned on the last working day in November. Drizzle was a constant feature, but a brief spell of storm-like weather has us sheltering for cover in the orangery. 

Heavy rain briefly stops play

Having cleared the border, I noticed that the bottom of the Vine House wall featured arches. Giles explained that these were to allow the strong, woody vine roots to grow without damaging the wall.

Arches in the vine wall

The weather improved, and a robin followed us around the garden. It appeared suddenly and boldly - often within arms reach - and seemed to study our work.

*

Clearing borders would go on for another two days. It neatened the garden - putting it to bed for the year.  The compost bays were once again full of organic matter.

The cleared main border 

Contrasting weather on 3rd December

*

Into mid-December now, and Giles wanted three rows of gooseberry plants to be removed. They were to be replaced with Jostaberry (Ribes x nidigrolaria) (a gooseberry / blackcurrant hybrid) and Worcesterberry (Ribes divaricatum) plants. "They are spikier plants and have smaller fruits!". Giles said - knowing full well that he wouldn't be the person picking or pruning them! "The fruits are sweeter and we want to promote as many different varieties as we can." 

The existing gooseberry plants were removed quickly and disposed of in the woods. Holes were dug for the new plants and mulch added. 

After lunch, Plum and Shandy watched on from a sunny spot as we went to the round garden to replace tired roses Rosa 'Buff Beauty' - a beautiful creamy orange rose. Flowering had been in decline for the last few seasons, and the scent - or lack of - was disappointing. 

Dogs enjoying the winter sunshine

The roses were unearthed and 18" x 18" holes dug - surrounding plants were temporarily removed in the process. This earth was moved to the vegetable garden. A solution of one part Jeyes fluid to four parts water was poured into the holes. Both of these steps reduced the risk of any disease from the previous plants being passed on to the new roses. A layer of mulch was then added before the new young replacements planted.

*

Another day, and a walk through the woods and to the lake beckoned. Trees were bare and the view over the lake was clear - this was in stark contrast to the green and leafy surrounds in July which completely obscured the view.

An unobscured view across the lake

Today I was struck by the beauty and surprise within nature - even in decay. I had watched the stunning Physalis alkekengi - more commonly known as the Chinese Lantern - grow, develop into its perfect orange lantern shape and then begin to decay - losing colour before the fragile papery covering started to break down. But I hadn't been close enough to see the beautiful fruit within, which now revealed itself.

Physalis alkekengi

*

It was time to prune the roses on the north wall and on the wall outside the car park - Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carriere'. During this process, it was important to consider the future shape of the plant before cutting branches. 'Useful' branches were tied in. Plum and Shandy (who was in full festive attire) watched on. 

Shandy cleaning Plum. Plum watching Emma at work

A previous gardeners' mark atop the garden walls 'Ernie 1989'

*

20th December - our last day in the gardens of 2018. And a bit of festive fun for us all - wreath making. Willow was gathered and four stems weaved into a circle before cuttings from the garden were added - eucalyptus, holly, rosehips, fir cones, rosemary, bay leaves... and our wreaths were made! 

Weaving willow

 

During this time, Giles had cut down a tiring apple tree Malus 'Beauty of Bath'. Alan and I helped load the wood into the dumper truck. A new apple tree Malus 'Egremont Russet' was later planted.

And after lunch, the Christmas party at David's studio in the courtyard. Savoury nibbles (Emma's goats cheese and fig tarts proved popular), homemade cakes (Mrs G's plum cake and Derek's wife's tea loaf were personal favourites), wine and beer were served and a suitably festive, warm atmosphere enjoyed by all. Sir James was here but it was a shame that Lady Halina wasn't able to join us due to being a little under the weather. 

Gardeners, builders, art students and Sir James!

A cosy spot for two tired dog

A charcoal drawing of 'Head Gardener' Shandy

As the party-goers started to leave, the year came to a close. The garden was neatly stripped back. But signs of life were beginning to emerge. 

And with new trees and shrubs planted, the new year brings with it an even greater sense of expectation and excitement.