Welcome to my July blog
I love this time of year, the sun is out and there's an abundance of colour and fragrance everywhere!
During June we opened the gardens in aid of the National Garden Scheme (if you've not heard of this please click here to read more) and we were delighted to welcome 166 visitors which with the entrance fee, plant sale and donations we raised the fine grand total of £945.00. Thank you, everyone who joined us, it helped the day was glorious, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourself.
We are now busy in the gardens and across the estate getting all the grass under control which is growing at astronomical rates, but it is all looking good. All the bedding plants are out and so far (touch wood) we are pleased to report they have not suffered any damage yet from the deer or rabbits!
In the glasshouse, we are growing some cucumbers which are already starting to take over. It's fascinating to watch the leaves grow, followed by the beautiful (and edible) bright orangy/yellow flower and then the fruit develop. (You read that right, contrary to popular belief, the Cucumber is actually a fruit!)
In place of my plant of the month, for July I want to focus on Ashdown Park Wildlife.
June was national #30dayswild, a great way to encourage and to source inspiration for ways to engage with wildlife.
While keeping an eye out for wildlife to photograph as part of 30 days wild, I happened to be on the East golf course and noticed something move on the banks of the pond. On closer inspection, I saw it was a Mink.
In all my years at Ashdown Park I have never seen a mink on the estate. The other thing I notice whilst topping one of our top fields was the number of moths and butterflies about including the Common Blue and Brimstone, certainly worth a visit if you are with us.
July Gardening Tips
1. Keep baskets and containers watered, little but often, and feed
2. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms
3. Look out for signs of pests on plants and treat as required
4. Support plants with canes that are getting too top heavy
5. Top up ponds and feed fish, cut back pond weed if it is taking over
Happy Gardening
Kevin Sweet