Well, what a strange Winter and Spring we’ve had! A winter that seemed to run on forever followed by such a dry spring. But we are not complaining as the extended dry period has really given us a window of opportunity to get stuff done. But the stress of high temperatures some days and cold winds on other days have really put some stress on the plants in the garden here at Titsey, as I’m sure in much of the country.

Our daffodils and hyacinth have come and gone in such a quick time it’s a little disappointing. But the restoration of the Dovecote above the Walled Garden has brought a smile to us all.

Those coming this spring to see us here in the Gardens will notice that the central beds in the Wall Garden are looking a bit different. Over the past few seasons  we have had our challenges with a variety of nasty perennial weeds competing with the plants and we decided to bite the bullet and clear the beds completely.

It’s a drastic measure and one that you wouldn’t normally recommend. We brought in the digger and dug out all of the soil from our beds to remove all of the weed issues. So here is hoping!

This spring and early summer we’re going to have a very different look to the Walled Garden this season, but you will just have to come and see what we’re up to. And please feel free to ask any of the team what has been happening.

On a different note, several of the team here are particularly keen on growing plants from seed because of the huge choice of material available in seed form. I have been passionate about growing from seed from a very young age, indeed when I was still in primary school! It doesn’t matter if you have a large garden or indeed as in my case as a small boy, a postage stamp! Growing from seeds is just great fun.

Last year we grew 132 varieties of plants from seed. It certainly does give us some challenges but the rewards are well worth it. One example shown here in the photograph is the Geranium maderense or Madeira Cranesbill, which is it’s common name.

It was so easy to grow from seed but you would seldom find it in a nursery or garden centre. You just need a warm windowsill. The excitement of checking to see if seedlings have come through or the satisfaction in looking at a colourful flower bed mostly or all grown from seed is truly one of gardening’s greatest pleasures. 

Many of the visitors have enjoyed the spectacle of our beds full of plants for cutting material which we use in the Main House. In particular people enjoyed the eye catching Giant Poppy Papaver ‘Giganteum’ and the rows of colourful Straw Flowers Helichrysum. We are looking forward to welcoming you all this year and sharing the Gardens once again…