Sunday 16 December 2012

22nd November - 16th December

Hello again, I've been doing allsorts since I last posted on here.

I've had to cover the tulips I'd planted earlier, in the Italian Shelter for an earlier assessment, with wire as the squirrels had dug some of them up.


I've also had the chance to do topiary hedgecutting which I really enjoyed, makes a change from keeping everything straightedged - still need more practise at it though!


I've been reading up a lot on Health and Safety and have been learning about the lock-up procedure too. Also, I've been researching into my project area and possible plants/colours/designs that might work.

I've taken some root cuttings and will be doing further work on this subject area; it'll be really interesting to see if the larger cuttings take better than the smaller ones.

I've done some more division but using a spade this time on some alchemilla mollis in Mrs Winthrop's.


I helped cover the mirror pool with bubble wrap to help protect against the frost. I then covered all of Mrs Winthrop's too, which took me most of the day!

I have also done my wheelbarrow maintainance assessment which I'm currently writing up now.

That's the main things I've been up to but what I shall try and do after Christmas is post weekly to make things more detailed and not missing anything I've forgot!

Thanks for reading. x


Wednesday 21 November 2012

7th - 21st November

Hello there, I've been up to a lot more and learnt so much again these past couple weeks.

I've been set a project area which is Lower Mrs Winthrop's Garden; I'm really looking forward to having an area that's my responsability so hope I don't muck it up!

 I raked the needles and leaves from the meadow up in Westonburt to help improve the grass germination; although I bet it needs raking again already! Also more bulbs have been planted in that area; two different types of lilies. Two of the working holiday volunteers helped me plant those and that was my first experience of being the teacher and instructing!

I planted a load of primulas into the primula pool so I'm looking forward to seeing the results next year when they flower.

I completed one of my seed sowing assessments (see below); these were of candelabra primulas and they will also be for the primula pool when they've grown. Me and Gordon have done an experiment with finished trays of seed by having set in the cold frame, one set in the glass house, and one set in the fridge. I shall keep you posted with the results!


The newly sown seeds need to be protected from the pesky mice... (see below)


I have been starting on pest and disease profiles now; including coral spot, lily beetle, apple canker etc. so hopefully I will remember them!

I was inducted on leaf blowing which turns out to be rather a relaxing job! I cleared all the leaves from Westonburt and the Upper Stream paths but I'm sure they've all returned!

I have now also completed my espalier assessment which I've really enjoyed learning about. When I have a garden of my own it's definitely something I will consider!

The Enchanted Gardens are currently on for 23rd, 24th, and 25th November. I've had a look round and it really looks amazing. More info here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Until next time. X

Tuesday 6 November 2012

My first five weeks at Hidcote.

Hello and welcome to the start of my blog!

Here I will keep you up to date of the things I have been up to and also things happening in the garden. Also, soon I will hopefully be doing a monthly podcast for Hidcote so I shall keep you informed!

I feel I have really settled in here (thank goodness!) as I'm really enjoying every task I'm set to do, and everyone here is so lovely.

I've learnt a heck of a lot so far; from bulb planting and bulb types, to espalier pruning and lawn fertilising! In my first week I did propagation and learnt my first ident - Argyranthemum Madarense in Mrs Winthrop's - don't think I'll ever forget that one! And through the past month I've done bulb planting in the Italian Garden, Westonburt, and the Fern Dell; hedgecutting - one of the quickest ways to get buff and tired at the same time! Also, digging and dividing Astrantias, weeding, cutting down and cultivating; pruning espaliers in the kitchen garden. etc. And so much more to come!

I've been trying my best with my idents aswell and I'm currently starting plant profiles to make sure everything stays in my head!

What I will try do in future is do posts bi-weekly, if I can. Until then, big thanks to the garden team at Hidcote, and you for reading this. x