Times they are a changing

This week at Heale saw t'other Michael (full time veg Gardener) leave. I started when he started so I hadn't worked with him for long but I enjoyed our time together and it is a shame he has moved on.

So, a man down, we continued with our work. Michael (HG) showed me how he trains rambling Roses to the balustrade at Heale. Very old Roses that have been there long enough for me to take serious care not to do them any harm. Rosa blush rambler needed a haircut and we took the process slowly and methodically. You begin by assessing new and old growth to work out what to lose and what to keep. You then untie the whole plant and begin to prune before tying in again to your wish. Michael has a great eye for the visual and takes great care to ensure the Rose looks its best. Not only that but the pruning work allows air and light into the plant and the horizontal training restricts oxygen to the plant, reducing leafy growth and stimulating flowers. In addition to tying in, Michael likes to weave the plant through the balustrade which gives the visitor a view of the rose (as it faces the private garden), Attention to detail. I am hoping for a good show of pink next year when I see it!

We summer pruned a very old Wisteria and Michael had been saving some new shoots to train into a gap between the Wisteria and a Box hedge. He created a support and we tied the shoots on with string. I shall have to return in my old age to see if it worked - only a few decades before it catches up with the rest!

We edged and weeded Yew hedging and removed moss from the walls. We removed unwanted Maclayea cordata (towering plant with grey/green rubbery leaves and pinkish flower stalks) and nettles etc. We had a friend visit - Lunar - and he decided to hide when the sky turned bluey black and the wind swept up.

When the rain came we went over secateur maintenance again which was hugely useful.

The weather is perfect to me right now, warm, breezy, some light rain now and then to keep you on your toes and to stave off the endless watering, it makes you feel alive and in tune. We are definately on the turn, chill in the air and leaves colouring. Roses are showing hips and today we saw Cyclamen darts popping up under the Yew by the river. The Sheep were moved to better grass as we noticed them bleating a lot more (help I'm hungry they were saying).

New challenges ahead and a change of season. That is why we all love gardening so much.