Friday’s all-day downpour came and went, leaving 4″ of water in buckets and barrows and the stream in torrent, but otherwise no harm done. And despite pessimistic forecasts, we’ve had no more since. But the first of the autumn storms and the sense of closure of the summer has brought visitor numbers down to a steady trickle. Still, those who come have blissful peace and quiet and I’m amazed how long some people stay, lingering on a seat in the garden for a couple of hours, watching the fish and the butterflies.
The new borders are still a blaze of colour – it feels like a return to high summer to walk round the yew hedge and see it. I still don’t seem to be able to capture it properly but here’s another go. Hopefully the BBC have done a better job than me.
One of the most successful garden plants has been Agastache ‘Liquorice Blue’. Though it spent the first half of the year looking a bit like a patch of nettles, once it flowers, it never stops, regardless of deadheading. And the best of it is that bees absolutely love it – they just can’t get enough. It’s provided reliable colour, fragrance and self-supporting structure since mid-June. And it comes true from seed – what more can you ask from a plant….
… but I suppose it could be more obviously beautiful, and that’s what Echnicea ‘Rubinstern’ delivers. Still a magnet for insects, the long lasting flowers are simply gorgeous and the part opened buds have a structural beauty all of their own.
Although the plum harvest failed through frost (I found a solitary ripe plum) and the pear tree only managed ten wasp-nibbled pears, the apple harvest is going to challenge all our creative ideas for storage and consumption. This wonderful cooker is producing hundreds of huge, rosy fruit – and that’s before we start on the Bramley, the Spartans, the Russets and the unnamed big one by the gate.
And finally, I’ve discovered the joy of chickens. Our own chicken shed is almost finished, but we’ve decided to wait until we get back from Cornwall to buy them. But in the meantime next door’s three Silky crosses have taken it upon themselves to check the nursery for titbits each afternoon, pecking their way around the paths and nonchalantly ignoring the very perplexed cats. I had no idea that sitting watching chickens could be so riveting, time-consuming and deeply relaxing. I can’t wait till we get our own!
One Response to “While waiting for chickens….”
Hi Sue,
My husband and I visited the Nursery yesterday and were so impressed with the improvements you have made, since we were there last , soon after you had first opened. The new beds were beautiful and everything was so well cared for and tended. You must have worked very, very hard!!
Our jaws dropped at the size and number of the apples, we had a word with the chickens when they came to see us off, and best of all I now know where I can find Nicotiana “Lime Green” when I am desperate to get hold of some! Thank goodness you took the Nursery on.