The views over the vineyard and down to the village are exceptional at this time of year from the top of the viewing mound. Lots of little chimneys smoking away and the crystalline silence of the early morning are things I enjoy.
Winter in the gardens is full of frosty days- it’s a quieter period of reset for nature and humans alike- which means time for catching up on those chores we often don't get time for in summer. I am usually the first to arrive in the morning, and my first job is to do a walk round and assess the grounds- which is easily one of my favourite winter jobs. After this, we top up our bird feeders and make sure the fishpond isn't frozen over, and then it's onto the day’s work.
For our small team, work in our woodland continues as we divide Snowdrops to encourage growth in places slightly lacking in early colour. The very first bluebells around the folly are just beginning to bloom in what will no doubt be an absolute showstopper of a season for them.
Amongst our wildlife habitat areas, we are seeing signs of spring also, with bees and other insects emerging to search out those early flowers around the estate. We will be sowing plenty of wildflower areas this year to help them, along with improving our grass meadows across the estate.
We are in full swing with our first sowings of beetroot (we've opted for a variety called 'Burpees Golden' this year) Broccoli, Calendula, Chard, Sunflowers, Mangetout, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Field Beans, Pumpkins, and squash. We will be following with subsequent sowings throughout the year to keep up with demand.
Most of these will be potted on or planted directly from their seed trays later in the year. Being an old-fashioned kind of gardener, I tend to use the blossoming of the hawthorn trees as my signal to start planting out, as by this time the worst risk of frost has usually passed.
Most of these will be potted on or planted directly from their seed trays later in the year. Being an old-fashioned kind of gardener, I tend to use the blossoming of the hawthorn trees as my signal to start planting out, as by this time the worst risk of frost has usually passed.
Through April we will be renovating the croquet lawn, which involves aerating with spikes to alleviate compaction in the soil. Dependant on how much thatch (decayed organic matter) is in the soil, we may scarify as well. Following this we will overseed with a mix of Rye grasses and top dress with a sand/soil loam and a high nitrogen fertiliser to kick things off.
In the culinary garden we are planting out new additions. Namely a Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus Molle) and a pair of wisteria called 'Amethyst falls' which should provide added interest to our wigwams. Things are absolutely coming to life in this part of the estate, with the Cardoons, Artemisia, Angelica and Day Lilies all bursting into life once more.
My personal favourite plant to see on the estate at this time of year would be the weeping cherry tree located in the front garden of Mill Down House, framed by daffodils and the adjacent magnolia, it really is magnificent when in bloom.
While the anticipation of bud burst in our vineyards gives us something to look forward to, there is plenty to see in the estate gardens, and lots for us to be getting on with.