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Dorset &Hampshire LOCAL - page 37
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Issue No 246 AUTUMN 2026 FREE
Apples galore!
HOW OUR ORCHARDS SURVIVED THE SUMMER HEATWAVES PLUS:
Apple Days are here again The value of fallen leaves Wasp nests Weather Lore - is it true?
Autumn sown sweet peas Autumn days out to relish October NGS Gardens open their doors
Should you heat your greenhouse this winter? Gardening news, advice and events throughout the south and southwest
www.countrygardener.co.uk
PLUS:
Grow the possibilities www.juliana.com
Explore the range
FA ST, U K DE L IV E RY – O R D E R TODAY, P L A N T T H I S W E E K !
A Parkstone care home resident took part in a race around Poole Harbour to fulfil her special sailing wish.
14 care homes you can trust
Chrissie, who lives in Alexandra House in Parkstone, spoke to the care home team Contact us today to see how we can help cre about learning to sail while serving as a radio a new youtime or ain loved one controller in the RAF. home Duringforher the forces, Chrissie remembers sailing from 01202 712410 | care-south.co.uk Bombay to Singapore with her colleagues and wanted to take to the water once again to relive TOP some of those happy memories. See our newest home D AR AW
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• Open 7 days a week • One of the South West’s Largest Tree & Hedging Nurseries • Small to Large Trees Available • Complete Range of Garden Plants at our Garden Centre • Thousands of Plants in Stock • Visit our Nursery or Browse Online
Parkstone care home resident brings luck to all-women crew during special sailing wish
Marjorie Alexandra House got in touch with Poole Yacht House with your smart Club, who invited Chrissie to take partScan in me one for more information of their weekly Summer Series races phone around Poole Harbour. Sailing with an all-women Alexandra House resident, Chrissie, crew aboard Peggy Pepper, led by Tracey Lee, Group rating took part in a race with Poole Yacht Head Office | 39 Commercial | Poole BH14 0HU Chrissie proved toRdbe a |lucky passenger as * Club for her sailing wish the came inof residential, the race. Chrissie was Care South,boat a not-for-profit charity andthird leading provider dementia, nursout of 10 on ing, assisted living and care at home across the south of England. carehome.co.uk Charity No. 1014697. supported throughout the experienceRegistered by Lana Wright, Home Manager at Alexandra House, Rebecca Jenner, Deputy Manager, and Nicola Hook, Activities Lead at the home.
9.8
Chrissie said: “I felt at home on the boat. It was very good. I liked when the boat went up high on the waves. I was a bit scared, but I managed to keep my cool. It was thrilling and I like that it was a women-only crew.” Care Choices Magazine_310mm 239mm Generic Jan 26.indd 1
Tracey Lee, Class Captain for Cruiser Class 3 at Poole Yacht Club, said: “Chrissie was such a trooper. It was pretty windy during the race and she took it all in her stride. She enjoyed the sociability of sailing and racing in a team and just had a fab time. I know I speak for all the Peggy Pepper crew when I say it was a wonderful privilege to share the evening’s race with her.” The special visit was arranged as part of Care South’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative which encourages residents to share hobbies and passions they once enjoyed but are now unable to pursue without the home’s support. The care home team then works to bring the special wish to life. Lana Wright, Home Manager at Alexandra House, said: “It was wonderful to see Chrissie relive such happy memories and enjoy the thrill of being back out on the water after taking a long break from sailing. As soon as she got on the boat, she beamed from ear to ear, and it was clear just how much the experience meant to her. It was a very special day for Chrissie, and we were delighted to help make her sailing wish come true.” Alexandra House, which is part of the Care South family of care homes, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. It features a dedicated activities team which organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
F IN D U S
at Gre e nshu tters Nu rs eries Five he ad · Ta u nto n · TA 3 6 PT
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Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The not-for-profit charity has care homes in Dorset, north Devon and Somerset, and care at home offices covering Dorset and Somerset.
For more information about the care services available at Alexandra House, go to care-south.co.uk or call the Care South team on 01202 747001. ADVERTORIAL
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Head Office | 39 Commercial Rd | Poole | BH14 0HU Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential, dementia, nursing, assisted living and care at home across the south of England. Registered Charity No. 1014697. *Correct at time of print
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What’s on...
EVENTS
READER’S STORY
A GARDENING GUIDE TO THE WEEKS AHEAD Here’s a selection of events you might be interested in attending during October and November. If you are looking for the usual details of garden club meetings please go to www.countrygardener.co.uk to see all events for not just this month but the months ahead. If you would like to send us your event for more free publicity then again go to the website where you will be able to upload details.
OCTOBER BRIDGWATER
GARDEN OPEN National Garden Scheme Model Farm, Perry Green, Wembury, Bridgwater TA6 2BA Mondays to Fridays until 16th October, 10am - 4pm. www.ngs.org.uk
CHARD
HALLOWEEN GARDEN ADVENTURE Forde Abbey and Gardens Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November, 10.30am - 5pm Forde Abbey and Gardens, Forde Abbey Estate, Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU BOOK: www.fordeabbey.co.uk
COLD ASHTON
Retired Somerset architect Paul Yandell discovered a new hobby in studying weather lore and found some truth in old country sayings Over recent years I’ve become fascinated with weather lore. It is part of my life lifelong love of history, nature and gardening I guess but the research has been great fun -looking at sayings that have become embedded in our history and traditions over the centuries. I’ve looked at old wisdom and new knowledge
SPECIAL PLANTS GARDEN OPEN National Garden Scheme Thursday 15th October, 10.30am - 5pm Greenways Lane, Cold Ashton, Chippenham SN14 8LA ww.ngs.org.uk
Weather lore developed when people had few scientific instruments with which to predict the weather. Farmers, sailors and country folk therefore observed animals, plants, clouds and seasonal patterns and turned their observations into memorable sayings.
NORTH PERROTT
Some of this lore has a genuine scientific basis, although it is usually better at indicating current or short-term weather than predicting a prolonged drought. Several traditional sayings illustrate this difference well.
APPLE WEEKEND North Perrott Farm Shop & Garden Centre Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October, 11am - 4.30pm North Perrott, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 7SS Tel: 01460 77090 BOOK: www.parrettbrand.co.uk
VARIOUS
FESTIVE SHOPPING EVENT Otter Garden Centres Wednesday 21st October, 3pm - 7pm Check their website for the garden centre locations www.ottergardencentres.com
UPLYME
AUTUMN SHOW AND COFFEE MORNING Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Saturday 10th October, 10am - 12pm Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Devon DT7 3UY
YATTON
AUTUMN SHOW YATTON Yatton & District Horticultural Society Saturday 17th October, 2pm - 4:30pm Yatton Village Hall, The Causeway, Yatton, North Somerset BS494HL
NOVEMBER BEAULIEU
AGM Beaulieu and District Gardening Club Thursday 12th November, 6.30pm - 8pm Beaulieu Village Hall, High Street, Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7YA
BIDFORD ON AVON
AGM AND SOCIAL EVENING Bidford on Avon and District Gardening Society Thursday 19th November, 7.30pm - 9.30pm The Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire B50 4EZ
BRISTOL
HENLEAZE GARDEN SHOP’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY Henleaze Garden Shop Thursday 12th November, 9.30am - 5.30pm 146-148 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4NB
WROUGHTON, SWINDON
AGM FOLLOWED BY A TALK ON THE WILTSHIRE AND BERKSHIRE CANAL Wroughton and District Gardeners’ Society Monday 16th November, 7pm - 9pm The Ellendune Community Centre, Wroughton, Wiltshire SN4 9LW
4
WISE WORDS and WEATHER LORE
One of the most famous examples is the saying associated with St Swithin’s Day, 15th July: ‘St Swithin’s Day if thou be fair, for forty days ’twill rain no more.’ The belief suggests a dry St Swithin’s Day will be followed by 40 days of dry weather, potentially creating drought conditions. This year it nearly worked. It was dry here in Somerset on July 15th and the next time I logged rain was exactly five weeks later – 35 days! However, generally there is little evidence the weather on one particular day can determine the following six weeks. The Royal Meteorological Society found the claim does not stand up: there has never been a 40-day drought occurring across the UK in summer simply because St Swithin’s Day was dry. There is, nevertheless, a small scientific basis behind the tradition. The position of the jet stream around July can influence whether the UK experiences more settled, high-pressure weather or wetter Atlantic systems. Another piece of lore is ‘Ash before oak, we’re in for a soak; oak before ash, we’re in for a splash’. According to the saying, the order in which ash and oak trees come into leaf predicts how wet the coming summer will be. If oak comes into leaf first, a relatively dry summer is expected, potentially increasing the risk of drought. The Met Office has examined this idea and found little convincing evidence. Oak has generally come into leaf before ash in recent decades, yet this has included several very wet British summers. A better example is ‘When swallows fly high, the weather will be dry.’ Swallows feed on flying insects, so their flight altitude is partly determined by where their prey can be found. During warm, settled, high-pressure conditions, rising air currents can carry insects higher into the atmosphere, causing swallows to fly higher. During unsettled weather, insects tend to remain lower, and the birds follow them. so, the saying has some truth behind it. Similarly, the observation that pinecones open during dry weather has a scientific basis. The Met Office explains that pine-cone scales respond to humidity: they become more rigid and open as they dry, while moisture causes them to close again. This makes pinecones a natural indicator of atmospheric dryness. Finally, ‘Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight’ has a genuine meteorological explanation. In Britain, weather systems commonly move from west to east. A red sunset can occur when sunlight passes through particles and clouds associated with weather to the west, while clearer conditions are present in the direction from which the next weather is approaching. Consequently, a red evening sky can sometimes indicate relatively settled weather the following day. I have found weather lore should not simply be dismissed as superstition. Some sayings are based on careful observations of atmospheric conditions, animal behaviour and plant responses. Swallows flying high, pinecones opening and red evening skies all have identifiable scientific explanations. However, these signs generally indicate short-term dryness rather than drought. Modern drought forecasting therefore depends on measurements of rainfall, soil moisture, river flows and atmospheric circulation rather than traditional signs. Weather lore is an interesting record of how earlier societies observed and interpreted their environment, rather than as a method of forecasting drought.
Gardeners cuttings A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
‘Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go’ - UNKNOWN
FRANKHAM FARM SPECIAL NGS OPEN DAY Frankham Farm near Sherborne opens its gates for a special NGS Open Garden Day on Sunday, 11th October. Frankham Farm is a working organic arable and livestock farm with a three-and-a-half-acre garden developed since 1960. The garden combines a large lawn and herbaceous borders with a productive vegetable garden and peaceful woodland walks. The visit is also enhanced by the welcoming refreshments available, including a BBQ, vegetarian soup and homemade cakes from village bakers. There is also a ground-level tearoom offering Frankham-grown lunches, tea and cake. Dogs are welcome in selected areas.
DAIRY FARMING DONE DIFFERENTLY At the Open Air Dairy near Dorchester in Dorset there’s a vision of how dairy farming can be different. And the rewards in terms of the quality of the milk and cheese being sold are there to be seen. They do things differently. The cows live outside all year in harmony with the Dorset countryside. The cows don’t go inside to be milked; mobile parlours are taken out to them. They live a laid-back way of life. The dairy believe this makes the cows happier, healthier and everyone is convinced it is what makes the cheddar taste great! The Open-Air Dairy was born from friendship and a shared ambition to do things differently. Tom and Neil met at the University of Plymouth, where they formed a lifelong friendship. Years later, together with their families, they turned that friendship into a farming partnership and created The Open Air Dairy, developing a vision for a different approach to dairy farming. Today, the farm milks around 300 cows across more than 1,000 acres. What makes the system distinctive is the mobile milking parlour. A 20/20 parlour on wheels can be hitched on and off and moved around the farm, allowing the cows to be milked close to where they are grazing. The cows live outside and graze throughout the year, experiencing the changing seasons and weather. The system reflects the farm’s particular environment, land and farming philosophy, while recognising that indoor and outdoor systems can both play an important role in modern dairy farming. Email hello@openairdairy.co.uk www.openairdairy.co.uk
The garden opens from 12noon to 5pm. Admission is £7 for adults, while children are free. Visitors can pre-book or turn up and pay on the day. Frankham Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6JT
RHS ROSEMOOR ON COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE RHS Rosemoor is putting itself central to the ways in which gardens and gardeners can respond to changing weather conditions when on 24th October the popular North Devon gardens is offering ‘Planting for a Changing Climate’, a practical and in depth look at resilient planting and ways gardens can respond to changing weather conditions. Moving into November, ‘Choosing and Growing Roses’ takes place on 14th November, from 2pm to 4.30pm. The workshop focuses on selecting, planting, training and maintaining roses. More details and prices at www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH.
HEDGEHOG WARNINGS WITH BONFIRES Wildlife organisations are reminding gardeners to take extra care to protect hedgehogs from garden bonfires over the coming weeks. Hedgehogs seek out piles of leaves, branches and garden debris as sheltered places to sleep and hide. Unfortunately, these same materials are commonly collected into bonfires. Wildlife charities and animal welfare groups advise people that, if they must light bonfires, they should construct or move the entire pile to a new site just before lighting so animals that crawled in overnight can escape. If a hedgehog is discovered in a bonfire pile, it should not be left to fend for itself. The safest approach is to move it carefully to a secure, sheltered area away from the fire and seek advice from a local wildlife rescue organisation if necessary.
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Magazine Publisher & Editor: Alan Lewis alan@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 431767
Accounts & Payments Heather Rose heather@countrygardener.co.uk
What’s On & Events Guide
BUTTERFLIES FATE IS STILL IN THE BALANCE The Butterfly Conservation charity fears the real cost of this summer’s extreme weather may not be felt until next year when this year’s drought-stressed caterpillars should be emerging as adults. The results of Butterfly Conservation’s 2026 Big Butterfly Count show it was a good summer for butterflies. But experts warn that what comes next could be dire. Professor Richard Fox at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Adult butterflies love hot, sunny weather for flying, feeding and breeding, and that’s exactly why people saw so many this summer. But a good summer for adult butterflies is not the same as a good summer for butterfly populations. “What matters more is what’s happening on the ground, to the butterflies’ caterpillar offspring and the plants they depend on. The very same weather that made it a good year for butterflies lots of sunshine and very little rain - could mean we’re actually on course for a population crash, which could take years to recover from.”
TOBY’S GARDEN FESTIVAL LOOKS AHEAD TO 2027 Plans are in place for Toby’s Garden Festival 2027 on Friday, 30th April and Saturday, 1st May at the popular Powderham Castle based garden show. Tickets are now on sale and exhibitor applications open. Following the 2026 festival, the team has been reviewing feedback from visitors and exhibitors to see how the event can develop while retaining the character and atmosphere of the now established event. Attention is being given to enhancing traditional areas at the heart of the event, especially the Garden Village and Castle Courtyard. Ticket prices for 2027 will be kept at the same level as 2026. For gardening clubs, horticultural societies and other groups planning a visit, special group booking discounts are also available. Tickets for Toby’s Garden Festival 2027 are available now at www.tobygardenfest.co.uk
Advertising Sales Ava Bench - Somerset & Speakers Guide ava@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 07759 304977 Aidan Gill - Classifieds classified@countrygardener.co.uk
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Design & Production Aidan Gill aidan@countrygardener.co.uk Gemma Stringer gemma@countrygardener.co.uk
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The Country Gardener magazines are distributed FREE at Nurseries, garden centres, National Trust Properties, open gardens, garden machinery specialists, country stores and farm shops in each county. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or made available in any form, without the written permission of the copyright holder and Publisher, application for which should be made to the Publisher. Unsolicited material: do not send or submit your only version of manuscripts and/or photographs/transparencies to us as these cannot be returned to you. While every care is taken to ensure that material submitted is printed accurately and completely, we cannot be responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered. Views and/or opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Country Gardener or the Publisher. Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Morton Way, Boston Road Industrial Estate, Horncastle, LN9 6JR.
DO I HEAT MY GREENHOUSE
this winter?
Many greenhouse owners will be starting to ask if they need to heat their greenhouse. Heating it helps protect plants from frost and allow vegetables, flowers and plants to continue growing during the colder months. However, it can be expensive and depends on the greenhouse and the plants grown. For many gardeners the decision to heat a greenhouse or not does not have to be simply between heating all winter or not heating it at all. There are several ways of protecting plants from cold weather without constantly using a heater. Insulation, fleece, bubble wrap and careful choice of plants can all reduce the need for heating.
Pros of heating a greenhouse Protects plants from frost One of the biggest advantages is that heating it can protect plants from frost. Temperatures inside an unheated greenhouse can fall during a cold winter night. Frost can damage or kill plants that are not hardy enough to survive low temperatures. A greenhouse heater can keep the temperature above freezing, giving plants a much better chance of surviving the winter. This is particularly useful for young plants, seedlings and tender plants.
Allows plants to grow for longer Heating can extend the growing season. Without heating, many plants stop growing when temperatures become too low. By keeping the greenhouse warmer, gardeners can continue growing certain vegetables and flowers during the winter. For example, some crops can be started earlier in spring if the greenhouse is kept warm enough.
Protects tender plants Some plants are unable to survive cold British winters. Tropical and subtropical plants, certain flowers, citrus plants and other tender species may need additional warmth. Heating the greenhouse can provide a suitable environment for these plants. Instead of bringing plants indoors, a heated greenhouse can provide a separate protected space.
Useful for seedlings Seedlings are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. A heated greenhouse can provide stable conditions for seeds to germinate and young plants to develop. Maintaining a suitable temperature can improve germination rates and reduce the risk of young plants being damaged by cold weather. 6
More control over growing conditions Heating gives the gardener greater control over the greenhouse environment. Rather than relying entirely on outdoor weather conditions, the temperature can be monitored and maintained at a chosen level. This can be particularly beneficial for gardeners who want to grow plants that would normally struggle in their climate.
Cons of heating a greenhouse Increased energy costs The biggest disadvantage of heating a greenhouse is the cost. Greenhouses lose heat quickly because they are designed to allow sunlight in, rather than retain heat like a house. During a cold night, a heater may need to work continuously to maintain the temperature. This can result in significant electricity or fuel costs, especially during long periods of freezing weather. For a small greenhouse, heating may cost more than the value of the plants being protected.
Environmental impact Using electricity, gas or other fuels to heat a greenhouse can increase energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is an important consideration for gardeners who want to reduce their environmental impact. Heating a greenhouse that is poorly insulated can be particularly inefficient because much of the heat escapes through the glass or plastic.
Heating may not be necessary Not every greenhouse needs to be heated. Many plants are naturally capable of surviving cold conditions, particularly hardy vegetables and perennial plants. Crops such as winter salads, some herbs and hardy vegetables can often tolerate low temperatures. If the greenhouse is only being used to protect hardy plants, heating may provide little benefit.
Risk of overheating Although winter heating is intended to prevent temperatures from becoming too low, a greenhouse can sometimes become surprisingly warm during sunny winter days. Country Gardener
If a heater is poorly controlled, the temperature may rise too much. Good ventilation and a thermostat are therefore important when heating is used.
Equipment and maintenance Heating a greenhouse requires suitable equipment. A gardener may need to purchase a heater, thermostat, cables and possibly insulation. There is also maintenance involved. Electrical equipment must be kept safe in a damp greenhouse, and fuelburning heaters require proper ventilation to prevent dangerous gases from building up.
Alternatives to heating Before deciding to install or use a heater, there are ways to reduce the effects of cold weather. One of the simplest is to use bubble wrap as greenhouse insulation. It can be attached to the inside of the greenhouse and helps reduce heat loss. Horticultural fleece can also be placed over vulnerable plants during particularly cold nights. Moving plants away from the edges of the greenhouse can help because the glass becomes very cold. Using a greenhouse thermometer is also important. Rather than heating the greenhouse continuously, a gardener can monitor the temperature and only provide additional heat when frost is expected. A thermostat-controlled heater can automatically switch on when the temperature falls below a chosen level. For most gardeners, the best approach is likely to be targeted heating rather than heating the greenhouse continuously. Using a thermometer and thermostat means heat can be provided only when temperatures become dangerously low. Combining limited heating with insulation can provide a good balance between protecting plants, controlling costs and reducing energy use. If temperatures regularly fall below the safe level for the plants being grown, then heating would be worthwhile. If the plants are hardy enough to cope with winter temperatures, leaving the greenhouse unheated is likely to be the cheaper and more environmentally friendly choice.
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7
APPLE DAYS are here again
October brings ripe dessert apples, cider apples ready for pressing, heritage varieties at their most colourful and the distinctive smell of freshly crushed fruit. Across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the Cotswolds, Apple Day celebrations range from major horticultural exhibitions to community gatherings, with apple pressing, tastings, orchard walks and opportunities to learn about Britain’s remarkable apple heritage.
Autumn is the best time of year to explore apple heavy orchards. Apple Day itself has a particularly strong West Country connection. Apple Day is a unique celebration that takes place every year on 21st October. It was launched in 1990 by Common Ground, an organisation that works to connect people with their local environment, culture and landscapes. The idea behind Apple Day was to create a new autumn tradition that would bring communities together while celebrating the UK’s rich heritage of apples and orchards. The first Apple Day celebration was held at the old Apple Market in Covent Garden, London. It was particularly significant because apples were returning to the market after an absence of 16 years. Around 40 stalls displayed different varieties of apples and apple trees. Fruit growers, nurseries, juice and cider makers, writers and illustrators all took part.
Apple Day was created for more than simply celebrating apples. Common Ground wanted people to appreciate the variety of traditional apple species, many of which were at risk of disappearing. The celebration also aimed to raise awareness of Britain’s orchards, local food and the importance of protecting the natural environment. The idea quickly spread across Britain. By 1991, more than 60 Apple Day events were being held, and by 1999 there were over 600. Today, communities celebrate with apple tasting, juicing, baking, games, music and activities for children. Apple Day therefore combines food, culture, nature and community, helping people remember the importance of local traditions and Britain’s orchard heritage.
Devon APPLE PICKING DAY AT KILLERTON 11th October 2026, 10.30am–2.30pm Sparrow Park Orchard, opposite the main Killerton visitor car park, Exeter, Devon This is a more hands-on experience than the general harvest celebration. Visitors can help pick apples from Sparrow Park Orchard, with the fruit subsequently being used for Killerton’s own apple juice and cider production. A bucket is provided and participants can stay for as much or as little of the session as they wish. Booking is essential, although the event itself is free.
COCKINGTON APPLE DAY 11th October 11am to 4pm
EUROPOM INTERNATIONAL APPLE DAYS – RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR
Cockington Court, Cockington Lane, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6XA
3rd–4th October, 10am to 5pm
Cockington’s annual Apple Day is one of Devon’s more family-oriented celebrations. Entry is free and the programme includes arts and crafts, live music, apple-themed activities, market stalls and community entertainment. Visitors can watch apples being pressed and can bring their own apples to be turned into juice for a small donation. More than 40 food, drink and craft stalls are expected.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH The standout Devon event this autumn is Europom 2026, an international celebration of fruit diversity, heritage and conservation at RHS Garden Rosemoor. It is particularly significant because Europom is being held in England for the first time in 2026. The event brings together fruit-growing organisations and specialists from around Europe, with displays of regional varieties, expert talks, orchard walks and opportunities to explore the garden’s fruit collections. For anyone interested in unusual apples, this should be one of the most rewarding events in the region. Europom normally moves between European countries and is designed to encourage the conservation and study of traditional fruit varieties. RHS and specialist organisations will be represented, while talks and walks will give visitors a deeper understanding of fruit growing and orchard heritage.
11th October, 10am to 3pm High Bickington Community Centre, High Bickington, Devon High Bickington offers the classic community Apple Day experience. Apples can be brought along for pressing, although the organisers ask visitors to keep quantities relatively small because it is a community event. There will also be refreshments, craft stalls, live music, children’s activities, an apple display and information about apples.
CELEBRATION OF NT KILLERTON HARVEST 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th October, 10am to 5pm Killerton NT, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon EX5 3LE Killerton’s autumn celebration focuses on the estate’s long history of apple and cider production. Visitors can see apple pressing demonstrations, visit the heritage orchards and discover how apples have traditionally been turned into juice and cider. The event is free once normal Killerton admission has been paid, and children are welcome. The orchard is approximately 350 metres from the main visitor area, across a road and over uneven ground, so sensible footwear is recommended. Pressing demonstrations take place at various points during the day, with timings available from visitor reception.
8
HIGH BICKINGTON APPLE DAY
The Community Centre is the main village venue and is in High Bickington; the parish council lists its postal contact as Libbaton, High Bickington, Devon EX37 9BZ.
HOLBETON APPLE DAY 3rd October 11am to3.30pm Holbeton Community Orchard, Holbeton, Devon, PL8 1LW The South Devon National Landscape programme lists an Apple Day at Holbeton’s community orchard. The event combines the apple harvest with an environmental theme, including pollinator-inspired games, crafts and displays. It is a free event.
Country Gardener
Dorset IBSLEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY APPLE DAY
APPLE DAY AT SYMONDSBURY ESTATE
3rd October, currently listed as 12 noon to 2pm
Symondsbury Estate, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, DT6 6HG
Ibsley Village Hall, Ibsley, near Ringwood, Dorset, BH24 3NL Ibsley’s Apple Day is a traditional horticultural society event concentrating on the practical side of apples. Activities include apple pressing and juicing, apple identification and other apple-related attractions.
25th October 2026
Symondsbury Estate’s Apple Day is scheduled for Sunday 25th October and celebrates apples, the autumn harvest and the local community. Visitors can expect Dorset apple cake and freshly pressed juice made from apples grown in the estate orchards. The organisers have said that the detailed programme is still being finalised, so further activities may be announced nearer the date.
APPLE DAY AT CORFE CASTLE 3rd October 2026, 10am–4.30pm The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset The National Trust’s Corfe Castle is holding a special Apple Day centred on traditional apple pressing. Visitors can learn about historic pressing techniques and have an opportunity to try the process themselves. The event sits within the village’s historic setting and makes a particularly attractive option for families combining an Apple Day with a visit to the castle. Satnav: use BH20 5DR for Castle View.
PARNHAM PARK APPLE DAY 18th October, 12 noon to 6pm Parnham Park, Beaminster, DT8 3LZ Parnham Park’s Apple Day celebrates the estate’s ancient orchard beside the River Brit. Apples and juice from the orchard have traditionally been used by the estate’s restaurant, and the event combines that agricultural heritage with live music, family activities and local food and drink. The current official Parnham Park listing describes the event as free and suitable for all ages.
Parnham Park Apple Day is on 18th October
Somerset
The Cotswolds
APPLE DAY WEEKEND AT THE NEWT
SHIP INN APPLE DAY, STONEHOUSE
FARMED APPLE DAY
17th–18th October from 9am
4th October 11am to 3pm
6th October
The Newt in Somerset, near Bruton, Somerset BA7 7NG
Ship Inn Community Space, Bristol Road, Stonehouse, GL10 2AF
The Newt’s Apple Day Weekend is one of Somerset’s major annual apple celebrations. Across two days, visitors can experience apple pressing, apple games, displays, recipes, cyder tastings and tractor tours through the estate’s orchards. Live music, seasonal food and appleinspired treats add to the festival atmosphere.
At the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Stonehouse’s Ship Inn Apple Day is a friendly community celebration. Visitors are encouraged to bring apples for juicing, with cakes, coffee, freshly squeezed juice, live music and children’s apple-themed games. The event is designed around bringing the local community together at the end of the apple season.
FarmED, Honeydale Farm, Station Road, Shiptonunder-Wychwood, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6BJ
Traditional games include Apple Shy, Apple Skittles and Apple Toss, while the estate’s harvest menus include toffee apples, mulled cyder, pastries, cakes and autumn dishes. The event is included with Newt membership, with guest passes available to members; children up to 17 go free.
REMARKABLE RANGERS: APPLE HARVEST DAYS AT BARRINGTON COURT 26th to 30th October 11am–3pm each day Barrington Court NT, near Ilminster, Somerset. Follow brown signs from Barrington village. Barrington Court offers a very different kind of Apple Day experience during October half term. Its orchards contain more than 100 apple varieties, and visitors can join the ranger team in collecting the harvest. Participants check in at reception before heading to the orchards, where wheelbarrows are provided. The activity is free, although normal admission to Barrington Court applies. It is particularly suitable for families wanting to combine an autumn visit with a practical orchard activity.
APPLE DAYS AND HARVEST WEEKEND – WESTBURY COURT GARDEN 10th to 11th October Westbury Court Garden NT, Westbury-on-Severn, GL14 1PD Listed in the Cotswold events programme, this harvest weekend takes place in the historic setting of Westbury Court Garden. The emphasis is on the garden’s historic orchard varieties and autumn harvest, making it particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy heritage horticulture rather than simply food and entertainment.
APPLE DAY AT THE FOLK OF GLOUCESTER 17th October 10am to 4pm The Folk of Gloucester, 99–103 Westgate Street, GL1 2PG This free annual celebration of Gloucestershire’s orchard and cider heritage combines traditional and contemporary entertainment. A horse-drawn cider press will demonstrate traditional pressing, while visitors can bring their own apples and a container to take juice home. There will be local makers, craft cider, folk music, Morris dancing, children’s activities and food from the café.
www.countrygardener.co.uk
FarmED’s Apple Day is aimed at people who want to understand apples as well as enjoy them. The heritage orchard contains around 100 varieties, including Oxford Beauty, Blenheim Orange, Eynsham Dumpling and Dog’s Snout. The programme includes apple tasting, identification, orchard exploration, fruit picking and cider-making demonstrations. Visitors with an unidentified apple tree can bring representative fruit, a twig with leaves and information about when the apples ripened, allowing experts to try to identify the variety. The day also includes lunch and refreshments.
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JOBS FOR THE MONTH
Gardening jobs
FOR AUTUMN Autumn is one of the busiest and most important times of the year. The days become shorter and temperatures begin to fall, plants start preparing for winter, leaves change colour and eventually drop, and the garden begins to slow down. Although there may be fewer flowers and less growth than in spring and summer, there are plenty of important jobs to complete. The work carried out during autumn can help keep the garden healthy through winter and ensure that it is ready to flourish again in spring. Autumn is far more than simply a season for sweeping up leaves. It is a time for preparing the garden
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for winter, improving the soil, planting for spring and protecting plants and wildlife. Jobs such as clearing leaves, maintaining lawns, planting bulbs, pruning, composting, protecting tender plants and maintaining tools all contribute to the long-term health of the garden. Autumn gardening may sometimes feel like a period of tidying up after summer, but much of the work done at this time lays the foundations for the following year’s growth. By taking the opportunity to care for the garden during autumn, you can enjoy a healthier, more productive and more attractive outdoor space when spring arrives.
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This is one of the most important jobs. It’s not glamorous but failing to do it causes real problems around the garden. Trees and shrubs can produce large quantities of leaves, which can quickly cover lawns, flower beds, paths and patios. Leaving thick layers of leaves on a lawn can block sunlight and air from reaching the grass, causing it to become weak, yellow or diseased. Regularly raking or collecting leaves helps keep the lawn healthy. However, fallen leaves are not waste. They can be added to a compost heap or used to make leaf mould, which eventually produces a useful soil improver. Some leaves can also be left in borders to provide shelter for insects and other wildlife.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs
Divide and move established perennial plants
Autumn is also a useful time to address perennials that have become overcrowded can sometimes be lifted and divided into smaller sections. This gives each section more space and can help rejuvenate plants that have become less vigorous. Dividing plants also provides gardeners with additional plants for other areas of the garden. It is important to check the needs of individual plants, however, as not every perennial should be divided at the same time of year.
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Autumn is the right time for planting trees and shrubs. The soil is often still warm, while autumn rainfall provides moisture. This gives newly planted trees and shrubs time to establish their roots before the demands of the following summer. When planting, gardeners should choose a suitable position and make sure the plant has enough space to grow. Adding compost or well-rotted organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and provide nutrients. Newly planted specimens should be watered thoroughly, especially if the weather remains dry.
Time to try and get the lawn back to its former glory
This is another classic autumn job. Bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, tulips and hyacinths are planted during autumn so that they can establish roots before winter. They remain dormant underground during the coldest months and then produce flowers when spring arrives. Planting bulbs in groups or natural-looking clusters can create an attractive display. Gardeners should generally plant bulbs at a suitable depth according to the instructions for the variety and choose a position with appropriate light and drainage.
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Plant trees and shrubs
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It is fair to say it hasn’t been an easy summer for our lawns. Heatwaves, droughts and poor growing conditions generally have meant brown lawns with lots of worn patches. Autumn is still a good time to give grass some attention before winter arrives. The odd days of rain in late August and early September means the grass has finally started to grow but there’s a long way to go before lawns are back to any pleasing standards. Raking is important as there will be more than average dried and dead grass to clear out and scarifying the surface and aerating compacted soil can improve drainage and allow air and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Bare or damaged patches can also be repaired by sowing new grass seed while the soil is still relatively warm and moist. These jobs can result in a stronger, healthier lawn over the next few weeks and certainly for spring.
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Clearing fallen leaves
Pruning is the key task of the next few weeks We all need to be selective about what to cut back. Dead, damaged or diseased growth can often be removed to improve the health and appearance of plants. Some shrubs and trees benefit from pruning at particular times of year, while others should be left until winter or spring. Over-pruning can remove valuable habitats and reduce food and shelter for wildlife, so it is often better to leave healthy stems and seed heads in place where possible. These can provide winter interest as well as food and shelter for birds and insects. Country Gardener
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Get ready for the drop in temperatures
Preparing plants for cold weather and frost is particularly important. Some plants, especially tender varieties, may not survive freezing temperatures. Containers containing tender plants can be moved into a greenhouse, conservatory or other sheltered location. Plants that remain outside may need protection with horticultural fleece or other suitable materials. Pots should also be checked to make sure they have good drainage, because waterlogged compost can freeze and damage roots. Raising containers slightly from the ground can help excess water escape.
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Wildlife watch
Gardeners should also think about wildlife during autumn and winter. A tidy garden is not always the best garden for wildlife. Leaving some fallen leaves, seed heads, hollow stems and small piles of natural material can provide valuable shelter for insects and other creatures. Bird feeders can be kept topped up as natural food becomes harder to find. Providing fresh water is also helpful. Avoiding excessive clearing allows the garden to remain a useful habitat throughout the colder months.
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Start planning for next year spring bulbs
It is a wise old gardening saying that it is never too early to start planning for next year’s garden. Once the busy summer growing season has finished, gardeners can think about what worked well and what could be improved. It is useful to make notes about successful plants, areas that need redesigning and crops that produced good harvests. Ordering seeds and planning new planting schemes during the quieter months can make spring much easier. Gardeners can also consider adding plants that provide flowers at different times of the year, helping create a garden that is attractive for longer.
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The vegetable garden requires autumn care.
Crops that are ready for harvesting should be collected before severe frost damages them. Autumn is a good time to clear diseased plants and remove weeds, while healthy plant material can often be composted. Some vegetables, including certain varieties of onions, garlic, broad beans and winter salads, can be planted or sown during autumn for harvesting later. Protecting crops with fleece, cloches or other suitable coverings can extend the growing season and protect plants from harsh weather.
READER’S STORY
DEALING WITH WASP NESTS In two successive Septembers, Hanna Green has found herself having to deal with wasp nests in her Devon garden. She has learnt a lot about how to deal with them which she now shares with Country Gardener readers Wasp colonies are seasonal. As temperatures fall, the colony naturally declines and the nest is generally not reused the following year. For the last two years I have come across wasp nests in my garden. One in the garden shed, the second this year in a pile of leaves near a compost bin. I’ve dealt with them -just about, been stung about 20 times but I think coping with these nests is something every gardener ought to know. They seem to be on the increase and being aware of them is important. I know it sounds obvious but never deliberately disturb an active nest. If it is somewhere where anyone can come into contact with it, professional advice is still the safest choice. Although wasps play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling other insects, an established nest can become a nuisance and pose a risk of painful stings. The safest way to deal with a wasp nest is usually to leave it alone and contact a professional pest controller. Before taking any action, make sure you have found a wasp nest. Wasp nests are often grey or brown and have a papery, layered appearance. They may be found underground, inside sheds, in roof spaces, beneath decking hanging from trees and bushes or in my case this autumn just in a pile of leaves. Do not approach the nest closely to investigate it. Wasps can become defensive if they feel their nest is threatened, and disturbing the entrance can cause several wasps to emerge at once. Once you have located the nest, keep people and pets away. If the nest is near a frequently used path, seating area or doorway, consider temporarily avoiding that part of the garden. It is also sensible to keep food and drinks covered when sitting outdoors. Sweet foods, sugary drinks and uncovered rubbish can attract wasps and increase activity around your garden.
It can be tempting to spray the nest, knock it down or block its entrance, but these approaches can be dangerous. A disturbed colony may become highly defensive, potentially resulting in multiple stings. You should never set fire to a nest or attempt to flood an underground nest. Similarly, do not seal an entrance if wasps may be inside a wall, roof or other enclosed space. They may find another route into your property, potentially causing a bigger problem. For an established nest, particularly one that is large, difficult to reach or located near your house, hiring a qualified pest-control professional is the safest option. They have the appropriate protective equipment and can assess the nest before deciding how it should be treated. After the nest has been dealt with, there are several things you can do to make your garden less attractive to wasps, and I have taken my own advice on this. Keep outdoor bins securely closed and clean up spilled food and drinks promptly. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and avoid leaving sweet foods uncovered outside. You can also check sheds, garages and other garden structures for gaps where insects might establish nests in the future. However, never block a suspected entrance while a nest is active.
Jo from the Taunton Flower Company won the Large Gold medal at the Taunton Flower Show with the help of THE GOOP and LIVING FEED from SOIL SMITHS.
Get yours at SOILSMITHS.CO.UK www.countrygardener.co.uk
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COLLECTING LEAVES: autumn’s
natural resource
As autumn arrives and trees begin to shed their leaves, too many see the fallen foliage as something that needs to be cleared away. Lawns become covered in yellow, brown and red leaves, paths become slippery, and borders can look untidy. However, fallen leaves are much more than garden waste. They are an important natural resource, providing food and shelter for wildlife and eventually returning valuable nutrients to the soil.
Collecting leaves is possibly the most environmentally friendly gardening activity there is. Leaves are gathered, allowed to break down naturally to produce leaf mould and the cycle of nature starts. It is important not to remove every leaf from every part of the garden. In many situations, the best thing a gardener can do is simply leave the leaves where they fall. One of the most relevant tips when collecting leaves for mould is to run them with the mower. These smaller pieces break down more quickly and can sometimes be left on the lawn, where they gradually disappear into the grass and add organic matter to the soil. Collected leaves can be placed in a simple leaf-mould pile or in a wire-mesh container. There is no need for an expensive compost bin. A square or cylindrical frame made from chicken wire or other open mesh is often enough. The important thing is that the pile remains damp and has access to air. Not all leaves break down at the same speed. Soft leaves, such as those from birch, hazel and many fruit trees, tend to decompose relatively quickly. Tougher leaves, including oak and beech, can take considerably longer. Shredding larger leaves before adding them to a pile speeds up the process because it increases the surface area available to micro-organisms.
HOW LEAVES DISINTEGRATE Leaf decomposition is a natural process involving fungi, bacteria, insects and other tiny organisms. When a leaf first falls from a tree, it still contains nutrients and complex plant material. Rain, wind and changes in temperature begin to weaken its structure. Fungi and bacteria then start breaking down the leaf’s tissues. Small creatures such as woodlice, springtails, worms and various insect larvae also help. They chew and fragment the leaves, making them smaller and easier for microorganisms to digest. The organic material is gradually transformed as carbon compounds break down and nutrients are released. Over time, the leaves become darker, softer and increasingly crumbly. Eventually, much of the recognisable leaf structure disappears, leaving a dark, brown, earthy material known as leaf mould. Unlike ordinary garden compost, leaf mould is produced mainly from leaves and tends to contain fewer nutrients. Its greatest value is as a soil conditioner. The speed of decomposition depends on several factors, including moisture, temperature, the type of leaf and how much air can reach the material. A damp, well-aerated pile will generally break down more effectively than a dry, tightly compacted one.
WHAT IS LEAF MOULD USED FOR? Leaf mould is one of the simplest and most useful soil improvers that a gardener can make. Once it has decomposed sufficiently, it can be incorporated into soil to improve its structure. It helps soil hold moisture while also allowing excess water to drain away. Leaf mould can be particularly valuable in sandy soils, where water drains too quickly, and in heavy clay soils, where improving the structure can make the soil easier to work. It can also be spread around plants as a mulch, helping to protect the soil surface from drying out and gradually adding organic matter. Well-rotted leaf mould can also be used as part of homemade potting mixtures and as a growing medium for some plants. Fine leaf mould is especially useful for raising seeds because it has a loose, crumbly texture.
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Perhaps one of its greatest advantages is that making leaf mould turns something that might otherwise be treated as waste into a useful gardening material. Instead of putting bags of leaves out for collection, gardeners can recycle them on their own land.
Country Gardener
WHEN SHOULD LEAVES BE LEFT IN PLACE? Although collecting leaves has many benefits, gardeners should not automatically remove every fallen leaf. In natural environments, leaves are supposed to fall to the ground and decompose. Removing them all can reduce habitat and remove nutrients from the soil. Leaves can often be left beneath trees, shrubs and hedges. They provide a natural mulch that protects the soil, helps retain moisture and eventually feeds the plants growing above them. A layer of leaves can also provide valuable shelter for small animals and insects. Leaves should generally be cleared from lawns if they form a thick layer because excessive leaf cover can block light and air from reaching the grass. Leaves may also be removed from paths, steps and other areas where they could become slippery. However, the collected material does not need to be thrown away: it can be transferred to a leaf-mould pile. Gardeners who prefer a neat appearance can rake leaves into less visible areas beneath shrubs or behind sheds, creating small wildlife habitats while keeping the main garden tidy.
TREES & PLANTING
“Unlike ordinary garden compost, leaf mould is produced from leaves and contains fewer nutrients. Its greatest value is as a soil conditioner.”
Tree planting plans THE WONDER OF BIOCHAR AND HOW IT IMPROVES SOIL For nearly 30 years, The Dorset Charcoal Co has been producing high-quality biochar, supplying prestigious customers including the RHS, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the gardens at Highgrove. Biochar, sometimes known as horticultural charcoal, is a stable, carbon-rich material created by heating sustainably harvested British hardwoods in a lowoxygen environment—a process known as pyrolysis. When incorporated into the soil, biochar can offer a range of benefits: Improves soil structure and helps retain moisture
WILDLIFE WILL LOVE ROTTING LEAVES
Enhances nutrient availability and encourages beneficial microbial activity Supports stronger plant growth and greater crop resilience
Rotting leaves are an important part of the food chain. A pile of damp leaves can become a miniature ecosystem, attracting a wide variety of creatures.
The addition of Biochar when planting new trees has been proven to not only reduce the risk of loss of saplings, but also to increase the growth of those that do survive.
Hedgehogs may search through leaf litter for beetles, worms and other invertebrates. Frogs, toads and newts can also benefit from the cool, damp conditions created by decomposing vegetation. Insects and their larvae use leaf litter as both food and shelter, while spiders and other predators are attracted by the abundance of smaller creatures.
The company have many customers who swear by the benefits of incorporating a small amount of biochar when planting a new tree, ranging from commercial tree planters, local authorities, landscape gardeners to private individuals.
Earthworms are particularly important because they consume and break down organic matter, helping to incorporate it into the soil. Woodlice and millipedes also play a role in shredding dead vegetation. Fungi and microorganisms then continue the decomposition process. Birds benefit too. Robins, blackbirds and thrushes may turn over fallen leaves while searching for insects and worms. By leaving some leaf litter in suitable parts of the garden, gardeners can therefore support wildlife throughout the colder months. A leaf pile can also provide shelter from winter weather. Small creatures can hide beneath layers of leaves, where temperatures and humidity are more stable than on exposed ground.
But its benefits extend beyond the garden. Because biochar is highly resistant to decomposition, it can lock carbon away in the soil for hundreds—or even thousands—of years. This makes it an increasingly valuable tool for carbon sequestration and efforts to mitigate climate change. To find out more about biochar—and to purchase, locally produced Dorset biochar visit: www.dorsetcharcoal.co.uk
PLANT FRUIT TREES OVER THE WINTER Walcot Organic Nursery, located in the Vale of Evesham, will be supplying all sorts of fruit trees over the winter months. Grown in the soil, they are available bare rooted when dormant until late March – natures time for tree planting. Choose from a wide selection of organically-grown Apples, Pears, Quinces, Plums, Damsons and more. Plant, then with a little training, look forward to enjoying delicious fruit in the future! With Christmas in mind, or at any other time, why not encourage others around you to plant some fruitful trees with a gift voucher?
A BETTER APPROACH TO AUTUMN LEAVES
Orders may be made via the website www.walcotnursery.co.uk over the phone 01905 841587 or in person. The website provides much advice on choosing and growing fruit trees. A paper catalogue is also available.
The best approach is not necessarily to choose between collecting leaves and leaving them alone. A wildlife-friendly garden can do both. Clear leaves from lawns, paths and drains where they cause problems, but leave them beneath trees, hedges and shrubs wherever practical. Gather surplus leaves and create a dedicated leaf-mould pile. Shred large leaves where possible to speed up decomposition, keep the pile moist and allow plenty of air to circulate.
Growers of a wide selection of fruit trees for all situations
Over time, autumn’s fallen leaves will change from colourful foliage into a dark, crumbly material that can improve the soil. At the same time, the decomposing leaves will provide food and shelter for a remarkable range of wildlife. Trees take nutrients from the soil to produce leaves; those leaves fall, decompose and return organic matter to the ground. By working with this cycle rather than constantly removing it, we can create healthier soil, reduce garden waste and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.
Detailed catalogue available
01905 841587 Walcot Lane, Drakes Broughton, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2AL
www.walcotnursery.co.uk
• Absorbs impurities from the soil. • Holds and delivers nutrients to the soil. • Retains moisture in light soils. • Improves soil drainage. • Conditions heavy soils. Available online: 750g, 3.5kg, 10kg 20kg, 200kg
www.dorsetcharcoal.co.uk 13
GARDEN VISITS
Gardens to visit
in Autumn compiled by Vivienne Lewis Visiting a tranquil garden in October is a delightful way to end the season. Here’s a selection raising much needed funds for nursing and caring charities with lovely displays of autumn colour in a variety of gardens, large and smaller, in the areas covered by Country Gardener. We advise checking before starting out on a journey as circumstances can force cancellations in private gardens - so please check first. www.ngs.org.uk
REGENCY HOUSE Hemyock, Devon EX15 3RQ Opening for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 18th and Monday 19th October, 2pm-5pm each day, a five-acre plantsman’s garden approached across a little ford with many interesting and unusual trees and shrubs. Visitors can try their hand at identifying plants with the comprehensive and amusing plant list and there’s plenty of space to eat your own picnic; walled vegetable and fruit garden, lake, ponds, bog plantings and sweeping lawns; see the horses, Dexter cattle and Jacob sheep. Admission £8, children free.
FRANKHAM FARM Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6JT
EDMONDSHAM HOUSE Edmondsham, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 5RE Opening for the NGS on Wednesday afternoons in October: 7th/14th/ 21st/ and 28th, 2pm-5pm each day, six acres of mature gardens and grounds to explore, with trees, rare shrubs, and shaped hedges surrounding a 16th/18th century house, and a 12th century church adjacent to the garden. The large Victorian walled garden is productive and managed organically using ‘no dig’ methods to cultivate vegetable beds, wide herbaceous borders, with a traditional potting shed, cob wall, and sunken greenhouse. Admission £5, children £2.
Opening for the NGS on Sunday 11th October, 12pm-5pm, a 3½ acre garden, created since 1960 by the late Jo Earle for year-round interest. This large and lovely garden is filled with a wide variety of well grown plants, unusual labelled shrubs and trees, productive vegetable garden, displays of autumn colour, particularly oaks. Dogs welcome in selected woodland areas. Admission £7, children free.
DUNLEY HOUSE Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9PW Opening for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, 2pm-5pm each day, a nine acre garden set among mature oaks, sequoiadendrons and a huge liquidambar, all started from a wilderness in the mid 80s - wander round the arboretum, walled garden with borders and fruit and vegetables, rose garden and new enclosed garden with lily pond. Large pond renovated in 2016 with new plantings, and a woodland walk around perimeter of the property. Admission £6, children free.
SHERWOOD Newton St Cyres, Exeter, Devon EX5 5BT
CHEVITHORNE BARTON
There are 23 acres with two steep wooded valleys to explore when Sherwood opens for the NGS on Sunday 25th October between 1pm and 5pm. Many berberis and maples give splendid autumn colours; the mature trees, deep valleys, a sense of remoteness, and the care taken to blend the cultivated and wild plants make it a special visit. The garden was originally laid out before the First World War, and has been considerably enlarged over the last 40 years.Suitable footwear required due to areas of steep terrain. Admission £8, children £3, pre-booking essential.
Chevithorne, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7QB
© Helen Harrison
Opening for the NGS on Sunday 25th October from 1pm until 5pm, there’s a walled garden, borders and Robinsonianinspired woodland of rare trees and shrubs, with grass paths meandering through grass meadows. Home to National Collection of Quercus (oaks). Admission £6, children free.
Pre-order your essential guide to garden visiting: the Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2027 ngs.org.uk/shop 14
Country Gardener
THE DELL HOUSE
And a Somerset garden to visit by arrangement -
PENNY BROHN UK
2 Green Lane, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire, WR14 4HU Opening for the NGS on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November, this two-acre wooded hillside garden has been revived from a derelict state by the current owners over ten years. A former Victorian rectory garden containing magnificent specimen trees and historic garden buildings, and more recent additions of tree carvings and a model railway, with spectacular views from the terrace. Garden tours at 11.15am. Pre-booking is only essential if you need a parking space. Admission £5, children free.
Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, Somerset BS20 0HH Opening for the NGS by arrangement, a tranquil 3½ acre garden surrounds a Georgian mansion with many mature trees, wildflower meadow, flower garden and cedar summerhouse, fine views from an historic gazebo overlooking the River Avon, and a courtyard gardens with water features. The garden is maintained by volunteers and plays an active role in the charity’s personalised cancer care approach. Plants, teas, music and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic. Visits by arrangement until 1st December for groups of five to 30. Contact Penny Brohn UK by email: fundraising@pennybrohn.org.uk, phone: 0303 3000118. http://www.pennybrohn.org.uk
HILL CLOSE GARDENS Bread and Meat Close, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 6HF Opening for the NGS on Saturday 24th October from 11am until 4pm, these restored Grade II Victorian leisure gardens comprise 16 individual hedged gardens, 8 brick summerhouses, herbaceous borders, heritage apple and pear trees, many varieties of asters and chrysanthemums, heritage vegetables, a Plant Heritage border, an auricula theatre, a Victorian style glasshouse and a children’s garden. Admission £8.50, children £2.
OUR KEY TO FACILITIES:
Refreshments available
Plants usually for sale
Wheelchair access to much of garden
Partial wheelchair access
Unsuitable for wheelchairs
Dogs on short leads
No dogs allowed
Visitors welcome by arrangement
Coaches welcome consult owners
Accommodation at this venue
Picnics welcome
• Over 12000 varieties of plants and trees • Traditional terracotta pots, planters and garden architecture • Plants and trees contract growing to your specification • Tree sourcing service • Private and large commercial projects suppliers
www.gardenplantsonline.co.uk
0203 137 5159 www.countrygardener.co.uk
sales@gardenplantsonline.co.uk 15
GREAT PLACES TO VISIT
Colourful gardens IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER October is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit a garden. The landscape begins a remarkable transformation. Trees that were once covered in fresh green leaves gradually change colour, creating a rich display of reds, oranges, yellows and golden browns. For anyone who enjoys nature, October offers the opportunity to see gardens at their most colourful and atmospheric. One of the greatest pleasures of visiting a garden in October is watching the trees change with the season. Maples can produce brilliant shades of scarlet and crimson, while beech trees turn warm golden yellow and copper. Oak leaves often develop deep russet and brown tones, adding a sense of warmth to the autumn landscape. On a sunny day, the leaves can appear to glow, particularly when the sunlight shines through them. Even on cloudy days, the colours can create a striking contrast against the darker skies. The fallen leaves are just as much a part of the autumn experience as those still on the trees. Paths become covered with colourful carpets of leaves, making a walk through the garden feel different from a visit at any other time of year. The crunch of leaves beneath your feet adds to the sensory experience, while the cool, fresh air brings a welcome change from the heat of summer. October gardens also have a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. Many summer flowers have finished blooming, but autumn brings its own forms of beauty. Late-flowering plants, ornamental grasses, berries and seed heads provide texture and colour, while evergreen trees and shrubs offer a backdrop to the changing foliage. The lower autumn sunlight can also make the garden appear softer and more dramatic. Visiting a garden in October is therefore not simply about seeing flowers. It is about experiencing the changing season and observing nature as it prepares for winter. Every visit can reveal something different, as leaves change colour at different rates and gradually fall from the branches.
alongside the Garden Terrace Café for a well-earned coffee or lunch. With around 1,300 different trees, shrubs and bamboo to discover, Batsford is a great destination for gardeners this autumn. Open daily. Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AT Tel: 01386 701441 www.batsarb.co.uk
the Abbey is hosting its Halloween Garden Adventure, a family-friendly outdoor event featuring games, Halloween surprises and a witch-themed garden trail. Activities include pumpkin tic-tac-toe, hooka-cauldron and an appearance from Stanley the Scarecrow. The adventure runs from 10.30am to 4pm, with adult tickets at £15 and child tickets at £6. Booking is not essential, although advance booking can provide a discount. Telephone: 01460 221290 Forde Abbey and Gardens, Forde Abbey Estate, Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU
Lukesland Gardens
FINE AUTUMN COLOUR AND WARMING SOUPS AT LUKESLAND GARDENS Tucked away on the southern edge of Dartmoor, just north of Ivybridge, Lukesland Gardens is a wonderful place to enjoy autumn colour. This year’s autumn openings are on Sundays and Wednesdays 11am – 5pm from 4th October to 15th November. The shelterbelt of Victorian beeches which protect this 24-acre garden from Dartmoor winds, turns a glorious gold, while more exotic species such as acers and ginkgos reflect their autumn tints in Lukesland’s Addicombe Brook. Home-made soups and cakes are served in the cosy tearoom. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Children go free. Lukesland House, Ivybridge PL21 0JF for more details go to www.lukesland.co.uk or 07906 480362
Picton Garden
AUTUMN STROLL DELIGHTS AT PICTON GARDEN Enjoy an autumn stroll along the myriad of gravel paths of The Picton Garden at the foot of the Malvern Hills. As the days start to shorten the michaelmas daisies become the stars of the show. The National Plant Collection of autumn flowering asters and related genera (Mmichaelmas daisies) of more than 430 varieties start flowering in August reaching their peak between September 20th and October 10th. Keeping them company is a myriad of other late season herbaceous, Colchicums and the beautiful autumn foliage of the Japanese maples. In the adjoining Old Court Nurseries many of the plants you see in the garden can be purchased to start your own winter garden. Old Court Nurseries & Picton Garden, Walwyn Road, Malvern WR13 6QE
BARTHELEMY TRUE SPECIALISTS IN JAPANESE MAPLES Forde Abbey Batsford Arboretum
AUTUMN COLOUR AND GARDENING INSPIRATION AT BATSFORD Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Batsford. It’s the chance to wander through the 60-acre arboretum as the trees and shrubs take on their rich seasonal colours, then continue your visit at Batsford Garden Centre, set within the historic Victorian walled kitchen garden. From Japanese maples, ornamental grasses and seasonal plants to trees, shrubs and bulbs for your own garden, there’s plenty to inspire autumn planting. You’ll also find garden essentials, gifts and outdoor living, 16
GARDENING AND GARDEN EVENTS AT FORDE ABBEY October is a beautiful time to visit Forde Abbey and gardens when the award-winning 30-acre gardens take on their rich autumn colours. The gardens remain open daily throughout October, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy seasonal planting, woodland walks, lakes, borders and the famous Centenary Fountain. The on-site Forde Abbey Plant Nursery is also open until 31 October, offering a changing selection of herbaceous perennials and plants grown at the Abbey. Forde Abbey has several nature and garden-themed activities taking place. From Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, Country Gardener
Barthelemy & Co from Wimborne in Dorset was established by a French nurseryman almost a century ago and the Skinner family now specialise in propagating and growing acer palmatum – or Japanese maples as they’re known. Throughout spring, summer and autumn the delicate foliage of the acer presents exquisite shadings of Mother Nature’s gold, pink, purple, green, yellow, orange and red. Acers are a delightful addition to anyone’s garden, giving an aura of peace and tranquillity. The ten-acre nursery at Stapehill has a huge collection of Japanese maples to choose from and expert staff are on hand to help select the right variety and to offer advice about caring for the trees in future. Over 100,000 acers are produced at every year approximately 10,000 12,000 of them are grafted named palmatum varieties, as one of the largest specialist growers of their kind. Barthelemy & Co, 262 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, BH21 2DZ Tel: 01202 874283 www.barthelemymaples.co.uk
JAPANESE MAPLES Acer palmatum varieties We produce and grow the largest selection available in the UK. Plants are pot grown and suitable for garden, patio or bonsai.
Visitors welcome Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Barthelemy & Co (DCG), 262 Wimborne Rd West, Stapehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2DZ
Autumn inspiration starts at Batsford... Wander through 60 acres of spectacular autumn colour in the arboretum, then browse our Garden Centre for trees, shrubs and seasonal planting to create your own beautiful garden display at home.
Tel: 01202 874283 enquiries@barthelemymaples.co.uk www.barthelemymaples.co.uk
Want to advertise in one of our features? Fine Autumn Colour Pools & Waterfalls
Home-made soups & cakes 4th October - 15th November on Sundays and Wednesdays 11am - 5pm
Harford Ivybridge PL21 0JF Tel 07906 480362
www.lukesland.co.uk
We offer special all counties prices when advertising with our features, plus 100 words of free editorial with an advert.
www.batsarb.co.uk BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AT. Tel: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk
Speak to one of our sales people for more details.
BatsfordArboretum
@batsfordarboretum
OLD COURT NURSERIES & The Picton Garden
The Michaelmas Daisy Specialists since 1906
Specialist nursery and beautiful 1.5 acre garden just waiting to be explored ORDER ONLINE or catalogue available by request
OPENING TIMES: Open daily until 20th October 11am to 5pm Closed for winter. Reopening 1st Feb 2027, Thursday to Saturday, 11am -4pm until end March.
Tel: 01684 540416 www.oldcourtnurseries.co.uk Old Court Nurseries, Walwyn Road, Colwall WR13 6QE www.countrygardener.co.uk
17
READERS LETTERS
HAVE YOUR SAY
Our monthly dip into our readers postbag with ideas, thoughts and experiences from gardeners throughout the south and southwest. Email us at editorial@countrygardener.co.uk A serious problem with garden chemicals I am increasingly concerned about the number of pesticides and weedkillers being used in domestic gardens. While I understand that gardeners sometimes face serious problems with pests and diseases, I worry that chemicals are too often the first solution rather than the last. My own garden is now completely pesticide-free. I have learned to tolerate a few holes in my cabbages and have planted flowers that attract ladybirds, hoverflies and other useful insects. The garden may not look perfectly immaculate, but it is considerably livelier. Could the magazine devote more space to natural methods of pest control and explain which products genuinely pose risks to wildlife?
How the fox takes the hedgehogs’ water
David Morgan sent via email
Every evening, I put out a small dish of water for the hedgehogs that visit my garden. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered that the neighbourhood fox has developed a taste for it. He carefully drinks the water, knocks over the dish and then sits beside it looking extremely pleased with himself. I have now moved the dish beneath a low wooden shelter, which seems to have solved the problem. The hedgehogs can get underneath, but the fox has rather impressively failed to squeeze in. Perhaps your readers have other ingenious ways of helping garden wildlife without accidentally feeding the local fox population?
The slug-eating ducks I have finally discovered the perfect solution to my slug problem: ducks. I originally bought two Indian Runner ducks because I thought they looked entertaining. I soon discovered that they were also extremely enthusiastic gardeners — although perhaps not in the traditional sense.
Margaret Lewis Martock
Gardening in a small space I live in a second-floor flat with only a small balcony, but I have discovered that you don’t need a large garden to grow useful crops. I grow tomatoes in large pots, salad leaves in shallow containers, herbs in window boxes and strawberries in hanging baskets. I also grow spring onions and radishes because they take up very little room. One of my most successful experiments has been growing potatoes in a large fabric container. I simply added more compost as the plants grew and harvested a surprisingly good crop. My advice to other balcony gardeners is to concentrate on plants that you actually enjoy eating. A small space can be surprisingly productive when every pot has a purpose.
They have eaten almost every slug in the garden, along with several seedlings, two lettuces and a rather expensive ornamental grass. They also leave little presents everywhere they go. So, yes, I can confidently report that ducks are excellent slug control. I simply wouldn’t recommend them if you are particularly attached to your flowerbeds.
Peter Walsh Petersfield
Nadia Shah Taunton
The wisdom of grandmother’s runner beans
My battle with the courgettes
My grandmother taught me never to plant runner beans until I had seen the first swallow. I always assumed this was simply an old-fashioned superstition. Last year, however, I decided to investigate. I waited until the weather had warmed properly before planting my beans, rather than following the date on the seed packet. The plants germinated quickly and grew vigorously. This year I tried planting a few weeks earlier. The cold weather arrived, and most of the seeds failed. Perhaps my grandmother knew more about gardening than I gave her credit for. I would be interested to hear whether other readers have inherited similar pieces of gardening wisdom that are actually based on experience rather than superstition.
I would like to issue a public warning about courgettes. In May, I planted three seeds. In June, I felt rather proud of myself. In July, I was giving courgettes away to neighbours. In August, I began leaving them anonymously on doorsteps. By September, my family had stopped speaking to me. I have now learned that there is such a thing as ‘enough courgettes’. Unfortunately, I learned this approximately forty plants too late. Next year I shall plant one courgette. Possibly half of one.
Helen Carter by email
Alan Price sent by email
The squirrel and the tulip bulbs
Please leave some weeds alone I wonder whether gardeners have become too obsessed with neatness. Last summer I deliberately stopped removing every dandelion, clover and patch of nettles from part of my garden. At first it looked untidy. After a few weeks, however, I noticed bees visiting the flowers, butterflies appearing among the grasses and birds feeding on the seeds. I am not suggesting that we should abandon our gardens to nature completely. There is nothing wrong with a well-kept flowerbed. But perhaps we could all leave one small corner slightly wild.
I have recently concluded that squirrels are considerably more intelligent than I am. Last autumn I planted 50 tulip bulbs. I carefully placed them at the recommended depth, covered them with soil and added a layer of leaves. The following morning, approximately 20 holes had appeared. I replanted the bulbs. The squirrels returned. I tried covering the soil with chicken wire. The squirrels dug around it. Eventually I gave up and planted the remaining bulbs in pots. The squirrels stared at me from the fence as if they had won a major military campaign. This spring, only eleven tulips appeared.
A garden does not have to look perfect to be healthy.
I am now considering planting plastic tulips next year. I suspect the squirrels will probably dig those up too.
Ruth Evans sent by email
James Bennett Kenton
18
Country Gardener
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT Forget socks, candles and another box of chocolates. From delightfully eccentric finds to gifts nobody knew they needed, there’s the unusual Christmas presents guaranteed to surprise, amuse and leave a lasting impression.
THE OPEN AIR DAIRY OFFERS UNIQUE APPROACH
PERFECT GIFT for LOVERS of DORSET A colourful discovery of fascinating stories and facts, including place names Just £22.95 from local shops and online (+ p&p)
The Open-Air Dairy in Littlebredy offers a totally distinctive and different example of Dorset farming. It combines combining outdoor grazing with mobile milking and producing dairy products such as its mature cheddar.
www.downstreamdorset.co.uk or www.spiral-books.com
The Open Air Dairy is a family-run dairy farm near Dorchester. The farm has developed a distinctive approach to dairy farming, with its cows living outdoors and grazing throughout the year.
20% of proceeds to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
The farm produces Open Air Dairy Mature Cheddar, made using milk from its pasture-fed cows. The business describes its cheese as being produced with an emphasis on responsible farming and British ingredients. Its products are available through local shops, markets and other stockists in and around Dorchester. Made in the heart of the South Dorset Downs, the cheddar begins with cows that graze freely on fresh, lush grass, surrounded by sea air and open countryside. Uniquely, they’re milked right where they graze, with the milking parlour brought to them in the field. They believe this gentle approach creates happier, healthier cows — and milk of exceptional quality. Founded by lifelong friends Tom and Neil, The Open Air Dairy was born from a shared vision to farm differently, with the wellbeing of the cows and the land at its heart. The result is a beautifully rich, distinctive cheddar, full of character and countryside.
Mary is currently taking bookings for talks to local groups
Christmas cheeses
from THE OPEN AIR DAIRY
Open Air Dairy products can be found at stockists, including The Fridge, 13 Tudor Arcade, South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BN, Hillside Farm at Dorchester Market on Wednesdays, and Mole Country Store, Grove Trading Estate, Dorchester, DT1 1ST.
GRASS GRAZED
Longlands Farm Dairy, Littlebredy, Dorchester, DT2 9HF. Telephone: 07973 634354 Email: hello@openairdairy.co.uk www. openairdairy.co.uk
Our cows live outside all year round in harmony with the beautiful surroundings of the Dorset countryside. Grazing on grass & roaming the pastures.
You can buy the cheeses direct from the farm.
AN IDEAL GIFT FOR ALL DORSET LOVERS! Downstream Dorset, River Tales and Local History is a colourful journey of exploration and discovery along the many rivers and streams flowing through the beautiful county of Dorset.
MILKING IN THE FIELD Our cows don’t even come inside to be milked, we take our mobile parlours to them in the open air.
Mary van Coller and her husband, Ryan have visited towns and villages along each river, verifying facts, listening to people’s stories and taking many colour photographs.
Our cows live a laid back way of life. We believe that this makes our cows happier, we know it makes them healthier and we are convinced this is what makes our cheddar taste so great!
Downstream Dorset reveals the meaning of place names and relates fascinating tales about people and events both past and present. Downstream Dorset can accompany you when exploring Dorset or you can sit and enjoy reading the many anecdotes with a cup of coffee.
MAKE YOUR
festive table UNFORGETTABLE!
hello@openairdairy.co.uk www.openairdairy.co.uk
(20per cent of proceeds donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.) Downstream Dorset is available price £22.94 from all good regional bookshops and online from www.downstreamdorset.co.uk or www.spiral-books.com www.countrygardener.co.uk
Littlebredy, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9HF 19
YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
Gardeners cuttings
in Somerset A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA
SOUTH WEST ORCHID SOCIETY HOLDS PLANT AUCTION The South West Orchid Society holds its members’ Plant Auction on Sunday, October 11th bringing orchid enthusiasts together for an afternoon focused on plants, growing, and the exchange of knowledge. The event is from 2:30pm to 5pm. The society itself was established in 1986 and describes itself as a friendly group of amateur orchid growers. For anyone interested in orchids, the auction should provide an enjoyable chance to meet fellow growers, learn more about different plants, and perhaps add something special to a personal collection. The venue is West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8NE.
GARDEN PLANTS IN TWELVE SHRUBS TALK
PENNARD PLANTS ORGANISES KITCHEN GARDEN DAY Gardeners have the opportunity to discover a beautiful working kitchen garden at the Pennard Plants Kitchen Garden Open Day on Friday, 9th October. The event is being held in collaboration with Asterion & Co. at The Old Vicarage, Leigh-on-Mendip, Somerset, BA3 5QG, and runs from 10am to 4pm.The garden provides an inspiring example of how productive and ornamental planting can work together. There will also be opportunities to meet gardening experts, including Pennard Plants horticulturalist Chris Smith, as well as heritage seed expert Mike Milligan. Visitors can take part in gardening talks and tours and ask questions about growing and maintaining productive gardens. A selection of heritage and heirloom seeds, fruit trees, fruit bushes, herbs and edible plants will be on sale. Refreshments, including tea, coffee and homemade cakes, will also be available to purchase. Free – no booking required. There is no on-site parking, so visitors are asked to park considerately in the village and walk a short distance to the venue.
The Hardy Plant Society Somerset Group will welcome gardeners to, “A History of Garden Plants in Twelve Shrubs,” talk presented by plantsman and former nursery owner Julian Sutton on Saturday, 17th October. Starting at 11am, the meeting promises an exploration of how garden plants have developed, using twelve representative shrubs to tell the story. Julian Sutton has been a lifelong plantsman and ran Desirable Plants nursery in Devon with his wife Sarah, specialising in unusual and interesting plants, bulbs and herbaceous perennials. The Hardy Plant Society Somerset Group meets at West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8NE. Meetings at the venue are free for HPS members, while non-members are welcome for a modest £5 subject to space being available.
AUTUMN TERRARIUM WORKSHOP AT DOBBIES SHEPTON MALLET There’s the chance to step into the wonderful world of terrariums for a relaxing, hands-on Autumn Terrarium Workshop at Dobbies in Shepton Mallet, from 9th to 11th October. You can discover how to create a miniature autumn-inspired garden under glass, using beautiful plants, natural textures and seasonal decorations. The workshop will guide you through each stage, from choosing the right plants and preparing your terrarium to adding those special finishing touches. You’ll learn useful tips on planting, positioning and caring for your terrarium so it can continue to thrive at home.
PLANT FAIR AT EAST LAMBROOK MANOR The Plant Fair at East Lambrook Manor Garden is a special autumn event for plant lovers. It takes place on Saturday, 3rd October, providing a final chance to visit the garden before its season ends. The fair will be held in the grounds of the Grade I listed cottage garden. A dozen local nurseries are expected to attend, offering a wide range of plants from specialist growers. The event is especially useful for gardeners looking for plants that may be harder to find in ordinary garden centres. There will also be tea, coffee and light refreshments available from the on-site Malthouse Coffee Shop. Admission to the plant fair is £5 a discounted price for the day. Children under 16 are free. The ticket includes entry to the garden and free parking, although tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance. The fair is also an opportunity to enjoy the garden itself before the season closes. East Lambrook Manor Garden is famous for its connection with Margery Fish, a pioneering plantswoman whose informal cottage-garden style continues to influence gardeners. East Lambrook Manor Garden, East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH.
CROFT GARDEN NURSERY T S E W & FARM SHOP Great range of trees, shrubs, conifers, roses, fruit trees, garden sundries and a wide range of compost. WESTCROFT PUMPKIN PATCH OPEN AT THE END OF OCTOBER, PLEASE COME AND VISIT! NOW IN STOCK AUTUMN BEDDING, PATIO PLANTS AND SEEDS. PANSY AND VIOLAS IN STOCK. Fantastic range of pots and garden ornaments stocked.
Red Road • Berrow • TA8 2LY • Tel 01278 782687 20
Country Gardener
YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
You deserve a break. Relax and recharge for a day, a week or more. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or need a little extra support yourself, discover day care and respite breaks at our care homes across Somerset and Devon, for tailored care and complete peace of mind.
somersetcare.co.uk
0808 175 6584 www.countrygardener.co.uk
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YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
22
Country Gardener
YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
NORTON GREEN
Garden Centre & Plant Nursery SPRING FLOWERING BULBS AVAILABLE NOW - LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM! Suppliers of superior fuel for all your garden machinery. Your local specialists in horticultural machinery WE SELL, SERVICE AND REPAIR Lawn Mowers • Strimmers • Hedge Cutters • Chainsaws Pressure Washers • And Much More Main Road, Cannington, TA5 2LD
Spring/Winter Flowering Pansies, Violas, Wallflowers, Primroses, Polyanthus, Sweet Williams, Cyclamen & Bellis ready now!
NEW SELECTION OF ROSES AVAILABLE FROM MID-OCTOBER Garlic, Onion Sets & Shallots for Autumn planting available from the end of September.
01278 651300 • bridgwatermowers.co.uk
THOMPSON & MORGAN 2027 FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEED COLLECTION NOW IN STOCK! Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennials, Houseplants, Herbs, Hardy Ferns, Ornamental Grasses, Clematis & Climbing Plants Great choice of Glazed & Terracotta Pots & Planters plus a range of Stone Statues & Garden Ornaments
Garden & Estate Machinery SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS RIDE-ON MOWERS • LAWNMOWERS BRUSHCUTTERS • CHAINSAWS HEDGETRIMMERS • GENERATORS PRESSURE WASHERS & MUCH MORE
Norton Green Farm Nursery, Wells Road, Chilcompton, Radstock BA3 4RR Tel: 01761 232137 Email: nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (inc. Bank Holiday) Closed Sundays
BANK STREET, WILLITON
TEL: 01984 632761
01458 251476 sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk
Are you ready for autumn ?
Hwam - Contemporary Living
Clearview - Longstanding Winner with our Customers
Clock - New Addition to our Showroom with great feedback
BRING WARMTH & COSINESS TO YOUR HOME WITH A WOODBURNING STOVE - LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS WITH AN ECO FRIENDLY HEAT SOURCE
reliable & efficient service
CHIMNEYS LINED TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY STOVES FIREPLACES, HEARTHS & BEAMS INSTALLED TO CREATE A FOCAL POINT NO CHIMNEY? TWIN WALL FLUE CAN BE INSTALLED INSIDE & OUTSIDE
KILN DRIED LOGS & KINDLING - OFFERS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR DIARISED CHIMNEY SWEEP SERVICE IN-HOUSE WORKSHOP FOR STOVE REPAIRS & SPARES ALL HETAS REGISTERED INSTALLERS EMPLOYED BY SANDPITS
Visit our showrooms at High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport, TA10 0ES | Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm & Sat 8am to 1pm www.countrygardener.co.uk
23
YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY
• Sheds / Summerhouses • Workshops • Garden Rooms • Potting Sheds Full Service: Manufacture, Deliver, Install, Demolish and Remove etc.
MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnursery.co.uk We have a good selection of perennials and shrubs that are looking good,with lots of colour to brighten your garden or patio. Our shop James Store now has a large range of Home Brew products See our website for more details www.rockymountainnursery.co.uk
Enjoy a meal or drink in our Coffee Shop and browse around James Store. Large stock of HOME BREW PRODUCTS now available + many other great bargains
Over 40 garden buildings on display at our show site, just off the A358 (Minehead Road) north west of Taunton.
HOME GROWN TREES (ROOTBALL & CONTAINERISED) SHRUBS, PERENNIALS, CLIMBERS & GRASSES
CALL US TODAY
01823 334495
ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –
Taunton, Somerset TA2 6NS www.tauntonsheds.co.uk
Secure Self Storage in Somerset & Dorset Secure, purpose-built, indoor self storage that’s simple, flexible & affordable.
www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk
Lopen, Somerset
Lopen Business Park, Mill Lane, Lopen, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5JS
01460 243100
lopen@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk
Taunton, Somerset 150 Priorswood Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8DU
01823 323575
taunton@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk
Street, Somerset Main Street, Walton, Street, Somerset, BA16 9QA
01458 785634
street@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk
Child Okeford, Dorset
24-hour digital CCTV Monitored alarms Business and Household use No minimum terms Packing materials in stock 24
Gold Hill Business Park, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HF
01258 861100
dorset@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk Country Gardener
YOUR LOCAL in Somerset
BROWNE’S GARDEN CENTRE Come and relax in our coffee shop and then select from our large selection of container grown shrubs, perennials, roses, fruit & ornamental trees Huge selection of terracotta & glazed pots Fencing, paving & aggregates Plus all your garden sundry requirements
OPEN: 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday Closed Sunday
Coffee shop open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday Closed Sunday
GLASTONBURY ROAD, WELLS TEL: 01749 673050
NORTH PERROTT
Hardy Exotic Plant Centre
Farm Shop & Garden Centre
We also have a new range of restio and protea as well as great ranges of bamboos, tree ferns, ferns, cannas, gingers, bannas and shrubs, perennials, trees.
Apples & Pears, Local Food, Vintage Tractors
Visit our new cacti and succulent house.
Apple Weekend
Open every day 10am-5pm
Sat 17th & Sun 18th October 11.00am - 4.30pm
Tel: 01823 443701 www.deserttojungle.com
Tel: 01460 77090 www.parrettbrand.co.uk
Lower Henlade, Taunton, TA3 5NB (5 mins from J25, follow A358 to Yeovil, then signs to the Mt Somerset Hotel)
What happens when you put LIFE BACK INTO SOIL How one Somerset grower found success by caring and investing in the long term quality of how she grew cut flowers Jo Ferriday admits: “The scent of my roses is everything’ To customers buying her spectacular roses, it is a plus point to the high quality of the flowers she sells through her Taunton Flower Company ,grown on a regenerative off-grid smallholding lovingly managed in West Somerset five miles from Wiveliscombe. Jo has been a qualified florist since 1989 and has a passion for crafting beautiful arrangements that celebrate the natural beauty of locally grown flowers. She and farm manager Will are two years into an exciting smallholding project to grow cut flowers where the care and investment of the soil is paramount. Her ‘Field to Farm’ project saw her invest in 600 rose bushes just over two years ago which now provide a beautiful range of cut flowers for sale. Perennials, crab apples and many more are set to follow planted in soil which has been invested in and nurtured carefully. Jo talks about her soil with passion. The farm makes about 20 tons of compost a year to ensure the soil quality. “We don’t use pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or single use plastics. We do use ducks, thermometers, pipettes and an electronic microscope – whatever it takes to grow healthy chemical free flowers with real scent and character. We grow what people want.” Preparing and understanding the soil is the key to the quality she achieves. Jo has been working with the Soil Ecology Lab and Daniel Tyrkiel, a business which for over five years has been growing an understanding of beneficial microbes in soils. It is a business which helps growers like Jo restore and regularly monitor key functions in their soils to increase resilience and profitability. It works to show growers how to analyse soil and plant nutrition reports, use the microscope or make biologically rich compact to supercharge soil. Measuring, managing and regenerating our soils is critical to any grower. The Soil Ecology Lab explores this hidden world and asks an important question: what happens when we put life back into soil? Healthy soil contains billions of microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, insects and other organisms that work together to cycle nutrients, break down organic matter and support plant growth. When soil is heavily disturbed, polluted, compacted or depleted, much of this life can be lost. The result is soil that is less able to retain water, store carbon and support healthy plants. Restoring biological activity can
therefore have effects that extend far beyond the soil itself. The Soil Ecology Lab provides an opportunity to explore these relationships directly. By observing and investigating the organisms within soil, we can begin to understand the enormous contribution that microscopic life makes to the world around us. Fungi connect plants through intricate underground networks, bacteria help make nutrients available, and decomposers transform dead organic material into resources that can be used again. Together, these organisms form a living system in which nothing truly goes to waste. Putting life into soil can also change the way we think about environmental restoration. Rather than viewing soil as an inert material that needs to be replaced or treated, we can see it as something that can be nurtured. Adding organic matter, reducing unnecessary disturbance, encouraging plant diversity and creating suitable conditions for soil organisms can help rebuild biological communities. This approach places living processes at the centre of regeneration. The impact can be significant. Biologically active soils can improve water infiltration and retention, reduce erosion and help plants access essential nutrients. Healthy soils can also contribute to carbon storage, making soil biodiversity relevant to wider conversations about climate change. At the same time, restoring soil life can support more diverse habitats and create conditions in which other forms of life can thrive. Perhaps the most important impact of the Soil Ecology Lab is educational. And it is the reason they work closely with growers like Jo who have learned and taken up the mantle. Soil life is after all largely invisible, making it easy to overlook. Putting life into soil is ultimately about recognising that healthy landscapes depend on healthy living systems. The Soil Ecology Lab helps reveal those systems and shows why protecting and restoring soil biodiversity matters. By understanding the organisms that build, nourish and regenerate soil, we can begin to develop a more respectful relationship with the ground beneath us — not as an empty resource, but as a living foundation for life above and below the surface. Over the recent drought ridden weeks the grass on Jo’s smallholdings has benefited by superior irrigation from bowsers and has been a verdant greennot from irrigation as much as the quality of the soil and a testament to the fact that the soil is everything. www.soilecologylab.co.uk Taunton Flower Company, Fitzwood, Farm, Fitzhead, Taunton TA4 3LA jo@thetauntonflowercompany.co.uk 25
YOUR LOCAL in the Cotswolds
Gardeners cuttings
PLANTING POTS FOR WINTER JOY The Ebrington & District Gardening Club has chosen a seasonal subject for its October meeting: ‘Planting Pots for Winter Joy and Spring’. It takes place on Tuesday 13th October at 7.30pm at Ebrington Village Hall, near Chipping Campden. Harriet Rycroft will demonstrate how to create container plantings designed to provide interest from September through to May. The session is built around a combination of bulbs, perennials, shrubs and bedding plants. That makes it especially relevant to gardeners with patios, terraces, balconies or small gardens, as well as those who use containers to supplement larger borders. Admission is £3 for members and £5 for non-members.
in the Cotswolds A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA
Ebrington Village Hall, Hidcote Road, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, GL55 6NA
FABULOUS PLANTS FOR OCTOBER For plant enthusiasts who prefer talks, plant discussion and horticultural knowledge to practical workshops, Fab Plants for October offers an appealing Saturday afternoon on 10th October in Shurdington. The event is organised by Plant Heritage, running from 1.45pm until 5pm. Guests pay £3, while Plant Heritage members attend free.
CREATE YOUR AUTUMN PLANTING Daylesford Farm near Kingham is offering Create Your Autumn Plant-Up, a practical seasonal workshop designed around planting for the autumn. The event is on Wednesday, 28th October from 10.30am, and the price is £60. The workshop is intended to help participants build a bespoke plant-up using autumnal foliage, seasonal plants and decorative finishes. Daylesford is suited to this sort of event because gardening and organic growing are central to the farm’s identity.
The speaker is Josh Egan-Wyer, Head of Horticulture at Pershore College. Rather than relying solely on slides, he is bringing cut material and living plants for discussion, giving the event a more hands-on feel than a conventional gardening lecture. The organisers describe it as a session in which plants themselves take centre stage. Shurdington Community Centre, Bishop Road, Shurdington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 4TB
Daylesford Farm, near Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0YG
AN EVENING WITH RACHEL DE THAME Those looking for an entertaining evening rather than a practical workshop can head to Chipping Campden on Wednesday 28 October for An Evening with Rachel de Thame, the popular BBC Gardeners’ World presenter. The event is organised by Ebrington & District Gardening Club and begins at 7.30pm at Cidermill Theatre. Tickets are £20 for gardening-club members and £25 for non-members. Rachel is a broadcaster, writer and gardener, and the club’s programme notes her regular work presenting BBC Gardeners’ World and Royal Horticultural Society flower-show coverage. The venue is Cidermill Theatre, a modern performing-arts centre in the heart of Chipping Campden. Cidermill Theatre, Chipping Campden School, Cidermill Lane, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HU
TRUG MAKING BY A ‘MISERABLE OLD TRUGGER’ There’s a horticultural event with a difference at Ebrington Village Hall on Tuesday 10th November when Ebrington & District Gardening Club presents trug making by a ‘Miserable Old Trugger’, beginning at 7.30pm. The speaker is Carl Sadler, one of only four trug makers in the country. He is also a coppicer and green woodman. Ebrington Village Hall, Hidcote Road, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6NA
HARVEST WEEKEND AT WESTBURY COURT GARDEN Westbury Court Garden is hosting a Harvest Weekend from 9th to 11th October. Visitors can discover traditional harvest activities and experience the historic garden at an especially atmospheric time of year. The event runs from 11am to 5pm and offers a chance to enjoy both gardening heritage and the changing autumn landscape. Westbury Court Gardens, Westbury-on-Severn GL14 1PD
BEEKEEPERS HONEY DAY OUT The North Cotswold Beekeepers Association holds its Annual Honey Show at Batsford Arboretum on Saturday 3rd October. The event provides an opportunity for beekeepers, members of the public and anyone interested in bees and honey to come together. Visitors can expect a celebration of local beekeeping, with opportunities to see and learn about honey production and the importance of bees and other pollinators. Batsford’s announcement specifically highlights honey tasting, skep making and an observation hive, together with local honey. Normal Batsford visitor arrangements apply, and the arboretum is open from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturdays, with last entry at 4pm. Advance ticket booking is recommended. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT.
AUTUMN AT COLESBOURNE PARK Colesbourne Park’s arboretum opens for one of its two special autumn weekends on 10th and 11th October. Visitors can explore the gardens independently or join guided tours with Sir Henry Elwes and head gardener Katie Reynolds. The autumn planting and trees make this a particularly appealing event for garden enthusiasts interested in trees and landscape design. Colesbourne Park, Colesbourne, Cheltenham GL53 9NP
Specialist Plant Centre
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GREAT RANGE OF BULBS FOR AUTUMN PLANTING 26
Guarlford Malvern WR13 6NT 01684 562544
grangefmnursery@btconnect.com
A specialist plant centre situated in an array of farm buildings, with an abundance of beautiful plants to create your own unique garden.
Gretton Road, Gotherington, Cheltenham GL52 9QY 01242 676722 www.gotheringtonnurseries.co.uk 1 mile from Prescott Hill Climb. Open Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm Sun: 10am-4pm
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Plan It & Plant It with the garden lovers garden centre
www.farnboroughgardencentre.co.uk A traditional garden centre that focuses on providing quality plants, garden products, homeware and gifts
A world of
Choice
On A423 Southam Road, Nr. Farnborough, Banbury OX17 1EL Tel: 01295 690479
OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK: Tues-Sat: 9am - 5.30pm Sun: 10.30am - 4.30pm
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YOUR LOCAL in the Cotswolds
FORMERLY ‘NEWENT PLANT CENTRE’
H ee rr ee ff o H o rr dd ss h h ii rr ee ss m mo os s tt I In ns sp p ii rr a a tt ii o on na a ll P P ll a an n tt C C ee n n tt rr ee
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A new season is arriving at Botanica Plant Centre! Discover a beautiful selection of autumn plants, seasonal colour and fresh inspiration for your garden and outdoor spaces. We’re also excited to be expanding and developing our retail areas, creating even more space for plants, ideas and exciting new displays. There’s never been a better time to visit and see what’s new at Botanica this autumn.
HOMEGROWN ON OUR NURSERY POTS SEEDS COMPOST www.botanicaplants.co.uk
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HEREFORD RD
HR8 2PZ
The Nest, Little Verzons Ledbury 01531 670 121
Info@botanicaplants.co.uk
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FIND US
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Looking for the perfect place to enjoy your retirement? Albion Meadows offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments designed for the active over-55s, providing the ideal balance of independence Albion Meadows is situated in the delightful village and comfort with 24-hour support in a beautiful countryside setting. of Hanley Swan, Worcestershire. We aim to create
Albion Meadows is situated in the delightfulhomes village that have deep links with the surrounding of Hanley Swan, Worcestershire. We aim to create community and a real sense of belonging. Hanley homes that have deep links with the surrounding community and a real sense of belonging. Swan, Hanley a quintessentially English village with a Swan, a quintessentially English village with a duck duck pond, has many amenities such as a wellpond, has many amenities such as a well-stocked stocked shop, and thriving pub. shop and thriving pub. The village is located near to the historic Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as the excellent Three Counties Show Ground. Nearby is also the delightful riverside town of Upton-UponSevern with the M5 close at hand.
for the perfect place to enjoywell-appointed your The apartments provide homes in the surrounding countryside with spacious nt? Albionrooted Meadows offers spacious balconies, a kitchen garden, and easily accessible two-bedroom apartments designed walks in the grounds. active over-55s, providing the ideal of independence and comfort with support in a beautiful countryside
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YOUR LOCAL in the Cotswolds
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YOUR LOCAL in the Cotswolds Lathyrus odoratus ‘Cupani’
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The joy of autumn-sown
SWEET PEAS
Sweet peas are a highlight of the summer garden, loved for their beautiful colours, climbing habit and wonderful fragrance. While many gardeners traditionally sow sweet peas in spring, autumn sowing offers so many advantages -producing earlier, stronger growth and an impressive display of flowers the following year. Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are of course annual plants, famed for being tolerant of cold conditions. And it is that which makes them the ideal choice for over wintering. The RHS has a very specific campaign this autumn to plant sweet peas in pots recommending autumn sowing in pots, with young plants overwintered under some protection where necessary. Autumn-sown plants can then be planted out in spring once conditions improve. One of the biggest benefits of autumn sowing is an earlier start to the flowering season. Plants have several months to develop a strong root system before spring growth begins. When temperatures rise and daylight increases, established plants can get away quickly, often flowering earlier than those sown in spring.
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Girl with the luminous lamp of wisdom. Sculpture by Nathan David FRBS
This can be particularly useful for gardeners who want sweet peas for cutting. The RHS’s recent sweet pea trials directly compared autumn and spring sowing and found that autumn-sown plants flowered earlier. The result can be vigorous plants capable of producing long stems and plenty of flowers. In the RHS trials, several cultivars produced substantially taller plants when autumnsown than when spring-sown. For example, ‘Fire and Ice’ reached up to 250cm from autumn sowing compared with 170cm from spring sowing. Seeds can be sown in pots in autumn and kept in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Once established, the young plants can tolerate surprisingly low temperatures. The RHS notes that sweet peas can survive temperatures down to around -4°C.
Choosing the right varieties There is an enormous range of sweet peas, from traditional highly scented varieties to modern cultivars bred for colour, vigour and long stems. ‘Cupani’ is an excellent choice for gardeners who value fragrance. This historic cultivar produces strongly scented, deep purple-blue and maroon flowers and has a natural, old-fashioned appearance.. ‘Painted Lady’ is another classic. Dating back centuries, it has pale pink flowers with darker pink markings and a particularly strong fragrance. Like ‘Cupani’, it is ideal for a traditional cottage-garden look and makes an excellent cut flower.
Lathyrus odoratus ‘Painted Lady’
For something slightly different, ‘Cedric Morris’ is a particularly interesting modern choice. It has dark red upper petals, violet wings and exceptionally fragrant flowers.
How to get the best from autumn sowing Sow seeds in autumn in deep pots or root trainers using goodquality, free-draining compost. Sweet peas develop long roots, so deep containers are preferable to shallow seed trays. Keep the plants in a bright, sheltered position and provide support as they grow. A cold frame or unheated greenhouse is ideal for winter protection. In spring, gradually acclimatise the plants before planting them outside. Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil and provide a strong support for the climbing stems. WATERPERRY GARDENS Nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ 01844 339254 | office@waterperrygardens.co.uk www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
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Finally, keep picking the flowers. Regular cutting prevents the plants from concentrating their energy on producing seed pods and encourages them to continue flowering for longer. Country Gardener
Lathyrus odoratus ‘Cedric Morris’
YOUR LOCAL in Devon
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GARDENING FOR NATURE AT OVERBECK’S
in Devon A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA
CELEBRATE NATURE’S AUTUMN BOUNTY AT RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR A celebration of autumn with a focus on growing and cooking, featuring live talks and demonstrations, edible garden tours, expert gardening advice, live music and family fun, is planned at RHS Garden Rosemoor near Great Torrington from 3rd to 10th October. The Europe-wide celebration of pomology and fruit heritage, Europom which takes place on 3rd–4th October, is just part of the celebrations and brings together regional and national fruit collections, with a special focus on apples and pears, alongside a showcase of other fruits and nuts. Inspired by the displays, visitors of all ages are invited to pick up a pencil, slow down and sketch at The Big Draw, running from 7th to 11th October in the Garden Room.
On Monday 12th October 2026, visitors can enjoy Gardening for Nature at Overbeck’s, a special guided tour exploring how gardening can support wildlife, biodiversity and the natural environment. This takes place at Overbeck’s Garden, the subtropical garden situated on the cliffs above Salcombe in Devon. The tour runs from 11.30am to 12.15pm on Monday, 12th October and is led by the head gardener. During the walk, visitors will discover how the gardening team is working to restore nature within the garden while responding to challenges such as climate change. The event is free, although normal admission charges apply. Admission prices are £13.20 for adults with Gift Aid (£12 without), £6.60 for children with Gift Aid (£6 without) and £33 for a family ticket with Gift Aid (£30 without). Children under five enter free. National Trust members can visit without paying the normal admission charge. Overbeck’s Garden, Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8LW.
Visitors can enjoy a special reading by poet and comedy broadcaster Matt Harvey in the Garden Room at 1.30pm on 10th October for the launch of RHS Rosemoor’s new monthly book club, Read more at Rosemoor, in partnership with the Appledore Book Festival and The Bookery.
UFFCULME WILDLIFE POND MAINTENANCE – COMMUNITY GARDENING
A lively hub for talks, demonstrations and tastings can be found in the Stream Field from Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th October where there will be growers, makers, chefs and producers and discover the stories behind the flavours of autumn. You can pre-book a hands-on workshop during the event – get to grips with autumn gardening tasks (8th October), be creative at a three-day botanical watercolour workshop (9th to 11th October), learn how crop rotation can increase your yields (10th October) or make your own willow foraging basket (11th October). Event included with garden admission, adults from £13.60 online, £17.40 on the day. RHS members free. RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH
PLANT HERITAGE TRIP TO RHS ROSEMOOR On 22nd October there’s a fascinating Plant Heritage trip to RHS Garden Rosemoor, the visit will provide a wonderful opportunity to explore a wide variety of plants, gardens and landscapes while learning more about the importance of conserving Britain’s horticultural heritage. RHS Rosemoor combines formal and informal planting, woodland, water features, specialist collections and seasonal displays, making it an ideal destination for anyone with an interest in plants, gardening and garden history. The garden is well known for its extensive rose collections, as well as its diverse range of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
On two successive Sundays, 1st and 8th November residents and volunteers can take part in a community gardening session at Uffculme Wildlife Pond. The session runs from 10am to 12pm and allows people of all abilities to come together, enjoy the outdoors and help care for an important local wildlife space. The event focuses on light-touch maintenance of the wildlife pond and its surrounding area. Volunteers can help monitor and record the different flora, fauna and fungi found around the pond. The group also carries out light maintenance along a section of Commercial Road, between College Green and the Highland Terrace junction. The aim is to encourage wildflowers to thrive while keeping the area attractive and accessible for the community. The session is organised by the Uffculme Green Team and is suitable for anyone interested in nature, gardening, wildlife or community volunteering. Uffculme Village Pond, behind the garden room of the Village Hall, Bridge Street, Uffculme, EX15 3AX
RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH
OTHER DEVON EVENTS Coleton Fishacre – ‘Gardening for Nature’, 9th October, Brownstone Road, Kingswear, Devon TQ6 0EQ. The guided tour is free, with normal admission applying; adult admission is currently £18 without Gift Aid / £19.80 with Gift Aid. NT Greenway - ‘Pumpkins, Plants and Poisons’, 17th October to 1st November, Greenway Road, Galmpton near Brixham, Devon TQ5 0ES. A free garden trail, with normal admission applying; adult admission is currently £18 without Gift Aid / £19.80 with Gift Aid. NT Coleton Fishacre - 17th October to 15th November — ‘Guardians of the Garden’ autumn tree trail, Coleton Fishacre. An autumn garden trail exploring ancient woodland, trees and folklore. NT Knightshayes - 17th October to 8th November — Spirit
of Autumn, Knightshayes, Tiverton, A family trail in the garden exploring how plants and animals respond to autumn.
Spring Flowering Bulbs Available for Planting Now!
NT Greenway, Galmpton - 17th October to 1st November — Pumpkins, Plants & Poisons, an autumn garden trail focused on poisonous plants, wildlife and seasonal gardening.
Selection of Trees, Shrubs, Fruit, Roses, Perennials, Alpines, Seeds & more...
NT Bovey Tracey - 29th October Autumn Fun & Folklore Day, Takes place in the walled garden, with autumn-themed activities, crafts and games.
Check our website for details or find us on Facebook!
NT Arlington Court - 30th October - Autumn Fest Family Fun Day, Arlington Court, near Barnstaple. Harvest displays, seasonal activities and events in the garden. 11am to 3pm. Lukesland Gardens - 4th October to 15th November Autumn opening season at Lukesland Gardens, Lukesland House, Ivybridge PL21 0JF. The 24-acre garden is open Sundays and Wednesdays, 11am to 5pm, with autumn colour. www.countrygardener.co.uk
Help, Advice & Friendly Service www.covegardennursery.co.uk Tel: 01398 331946
On the A396, Cove, Tiverton EX16 7RU 33
YOUR LOCAL in Devon
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TREE SPECIALIST
Koelreuteria paniculata - the Golden Rain Tree Mark Hinsley considers the need for us to think more about drought resistant trees in our gardens and comes up with a fabulous option
Many of us know about Kew Gardens in London and the Arnold Arboretum in Boston as important tree collections, but there are others. One such is the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. It was originally established as a garden for medicinal plants in 1635. Its most celebrated head was Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, who served as its head from 1739 until his death in 1788. Buffon doubled the size of the garden, expanding down to the banks of Seine. He also brought into the garden a team of important botanists and naturalists, one being Bernard de Jussieu. Bernard de Jussieu became the teacher and mentor to Pierre Nicholas d’Incarville, a Jesuit Priest and amateur botanist. In 1740 d’Incarville was sent to China to convert Emperor Gaozong of Qing, personal name Hongli, who was the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty. D’Incarvelle did not succeed in converting the emperor but did become something of a favourite. He was given access to the palace gardens and, in a reversal of the general trend, introduced a number of European plants to the palace grounds. D’Incarvelle sent seeds of plants not known in the West to the Jardin des Plantes. These included; Ailanthus altissima the Tree of Heaven; Styphnolobium japonicum (aka Sophora japonicum) the Pagoda or Scholars’ tree and Koelreuteria paniculata the Golden Rain Tree or Pride of India. It is the Koelreuteria paniculata that I wish to highlight today. It shares the ‘Golden Rain’ name with Laburnum due to its large panicles of bright yellow flowers. Pride of India is a little misleading, because it does not come from there. But common names are like that. Sophora is called the Scholars’ Tree, but it was Koelreuteria that was traditionally planted around the tombs of scholars in old China. Koelreuteria is a real ‘all-rounder’. The leaves come on in late May, unfolding dark red, soon turning pale whitish yellow before becoming dark green. The flowers form in mid-August, small and bright yellow on widely branched panicles. The fruit is a papery bladder containing three black seeds which turn a conspicuous pink in Autumn whilst the leaves turn orange and yellow. Seedling growth is quite rapid with the average increase in height over the first 20 years being about a foot (300mm), but it does not grow into a monster, with mature trees rarely reaching 60ft. Koelreuteria was first cultivated in England by the Earl of Coventry at Croome, Worcestershire in 1763. It likes the southern climate, and you will not find it ‘oop north’. Loudon recorded a number of specimens in southern England in 1838, the
Arboricultural Consultants
TREE ADVICE & REPORTING
Koelreuteria panculata - a real alrounder which flowers in May and produces wonderful 'papery bladder' fruit tallest of which was at Ham House, London, measuring 42ft, but in 1911 Elwes found none of them, so it is not a long-lived tree, or it was not back then. We did have a mini-ice age between 1890 and 1900, which might have been the cause of the loss of the older specimens. Koelreuteria will grow well in most soils, and flowers and fruits best in hot dry summers. It will fair best with some protection from northerly or easterly winds. There used to be a beauty in a garden beside the road out of Guildford towards Godalming when I was a student, but I don’t know if it is still there. There is probably a bin store, or something else vital to mankind in its place now. So, if you are wondering why I have brought this fabulous tree to your attention. It is very drought resistant, and we are going to need plenty of that in our gardens.
Mark Hinsley, of Mark Hinsley Arboricultural Consultants Ltd, offering tree consultancy services. www.treeadvice.info
MARK HINSLEY
MSc.Res.Man.(Arb), OND (Arb), F.Arbor.A We are a Dorset based company offering a friendly, professional tree consultancy service for all areas of London, South East and the South.
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YOUR LOCAL in Dorset & Hampshire
EDMONDSHAM HOUSE GARDEN OPENINGS
Gardeners cuttings
in Dorset & Hampshire A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA
Edmondsham House and its beautiful gardens offer visitors the chance to explore a historic Tudor manor near Wimborne and its grounds. The gardens extend across approximately six acres and include mature trees, unusual shrubs, shaped hedges, herbaceous borders and a productive Victorian walled garden. Edmondsham House is listed with the National Garden Scheme for four Wednesday openings. The confirmed dates are: Wednesday 7th October, 2pm–5pm Wednesday 14h October, 2pm–5pm Wednesday 21st October, 2pm–5pm Wednesday 28th October, 2pm–5pm
KITCHEN GARDEN TOURS AT NT KINGSTON LACY
The property is nine miles west of Ringwood and lies between Cranborne and Verwood, with access from the B3081. Admission to the NGS openings is £5 for adults and £2 for children. Visitors can pay on the day, with payment cash only. Tea, coffee, cake and soft drinks are available on Wednesdays between approximately 3.30pm and 4pm. Plants are also available for sale.
Visitors to Kingston Lacy on Wednesday 7th October can discover the history of its kitchen garden on one of two free, volunteer-led tours. The tours take place at 11.30am and 2pm, lasting approximately one hour. There is no need to book visitors can join the garden guide at the thatched hut in the Kitchen Garden.
For visitors planning a trip, wheelchair access and disabled parking are available at the west front door. Dogs are not permitted in the garden. Edmondsham House, Edmondsham, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 5RE
OTHER DORSET EVENTS Wednesday 14th Oct, 7pm - Lydden Vale Gardening Club: Nick Bailey. Celebrity speaker Nick Bailey of Gardeners’ World, speaking on ‘Confessions of a TV Gardener.’ Visitors £10; members £5. Buckland Newton Village Hall, Buckland Newton, Dorset DT2 7BZ.
The garden offers a glimpse into the traditions of the Victorian era. Originally created in 1876, it was designed to provide the Bankes family with fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Today, the National Trust is restoring and conserving the garden to reflect its Victorian character. October is an especially attractive time to explore the garden, with seasonal produce such as apples, pears, squashes and pumpkins adding an autumnal character to the visit. The tour is free, although normal Kingston Lacy admission charges apply. Kingston Lacy site is generally open from 9.30am to 5pm, with the garden, park and car park opening during those hours. Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October, 10am to 4pm - Secret Fungi Festival at Careys Secret Garden. A three-day event in a three and a half-acre walled garden, with talks, workshops, fungi market and activities around mycology and foraging. Carey Road, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7PG. Friday, 16th October 6 to 8.30pm - Museum of East Dorset NGS Garden Opening. An evening opening of the museum’s garden, which includes autumn colour, vegetable areas and plants for sale. Pre-booking is required. Museum of East Dorset, 23–29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1HR. Thursday 5th November, 10am to 12.30pm - Dorset Flower Co: Dried Flower Hoop Workshop. Starts with a walk around the cutting patch and discussion of how the flowers are grown, followed by a dried-flower workshop. £55. Dorset Flower Co, Duddle Farm, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8QL.
GARDEN & LOG SUPPLIES
ATHELHAMPTON AUTUMN MARKET RETURNS There’s the chance to step into autumn at the beautiful Athelhampton House & Gardens on Saturday 17th October when the Athelhampton autumn market returns celebrating local food, drink, crafts and Dorset makers. Taking place from 10am to 3pm on the West Lawn, the market brings together local producers, growers and independent makers. Visitors can browse stalls filled with delicious seasonal produce, artisan foods, handmade gifts, beautiful crafts and plenty of inspiration for the months ahead.
DELIVERED ALL AREAS DUMPY BAGS AVAILABLE MUSHROOM COMPOST
10 40L sacks only £30.50 a load £54
LARGER QUANTITIES CHEAPER MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST 60L - 6 for £48, £8.25 per bag
HORSE MANURE, BARK, MULCHES, SHINGLES, TURF
The market is free to attend, making it an ideal day out for families, friends and anyone who enjoys discovering something different.
JACKS MAGIC 5 ONLY £42.50
For those wanting to make a full day of their visit, Athelhampton House and gardens will also be open, although normal admission charges apply for entry to the house and gardens.
LOGS AND SMOKELESS FUEL
Athelhampton House & Gardens, Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset
LARGE RANGE AVAILABLE
01202 740795
www.mayfieldgardenandlogsupplies.co.uk
THE RHODODENDRON & AZALEA CENTRE LARGE SELECTION OF HYDRANGEAS AVAILABLE
Burley Rd, Bransgore, Nr Christchurch BH23 8DB Tel: 01425 672348 www.macpennys.co.uk Large traditional family-run nursery Wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials & fruit bushes 4-acre woodland garden & Tea Rooms Many unusual plants
VISITORS WELCOME MON-FRI 9AM-4PM ALL YEAR ROUND | SAT 10AM-4PM APR-MAY | MAIL ORDER AVAILABLE Koirin, Crossroads Nursery, Woodlands, Wimborne, Verwood Road, Dorset BH21 8LN (Near Verwood) Tel: 01202 824629 enquiries@azaleacentre.co.uk
MACPENNY’S NURSERIES BRANSGORE
Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sun & Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm
www.countrygardener.co.uk
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YOUR LOCAL in Dorset & Hampshire
Our spring 2027 bulb collection is now in stock West Bay Road, Bridport, DT6 4BA grovesnurseries.co.uk 01308 422654
Time for Tree-mendous Trees Autumn is the perfect time to plant as the ground will be naturally warm and moist. We have a great selection of trees in stock and our team have plenty of tree advice!
ENGLISH OAK QUERCUS ROBUR
SORBUS CARDINAL ROYAL
Courtens Garden Centre and Tea Room A27, Romsey Rd, Whiteparish, SP5 2SF
CRATAEGUS CRIMSON CLOUD
MALUS SCARLET BRANDYWINE
RE-OPENING FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER Open Fridays and Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm
CERCIS ETERNAL FLAME
PRUNUS SERRULATA KANZAN
Real Christmas Trees available in store the week of 16th November Christchurch, BH23 4SA Broomhill, Wimborne, BH21 7DF Abbey, Fareham, PO15 5RB 38
/StewartsGardenCentres
www.stewarts.co.uk
Tea and Coffee mornings with freshly baked cakes and cheese scones 10.00 - 12.30 Plants, tools, pots, compost, seeds, small gifts - all available. Newly arrived - spring bulbs, garlic, onion sets.
www.courtensgardencentre.co.uk 01794 884489 (opening hours) 07717 221798 (other times) Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Country Gardener
CLASSIFIEDS from your area and beyond ACCOMMODATION
GARDEN SERVICES
Churchwood Valley
www.dynamicgardens.co.uk
Secluded cosy cabins & lodges in wooded valley running down to Wembury Bay & SW Coastal Path
Plymouth, Dartmoor & lovely South Devon Villages & Towns in easy reach. Pets Welcome. Forest School. Tel: 01752 862382
www.churchwoodvalley.com
GLORIOUS NORTH DEVON. Only 9 cosy caravans on peaceful farm. Wonderful walks in woods & meadows. Easy reach sea, moors & lovely days out. £125-395pw. Discount couples. Nice pets welcome. 01769 540366 www.snapdown.co.uk
souren@sourenala.com 07720301626
Penrice Castle Gower
17 holiday cottages on an 18th century Estate on the Gower Peninsula with beautiful Grade I listed historic park and gardens. Tel: 01792 391212 www.penricecastle.co.uk
WYE VALLEY/FOREST OF DEAN. Fully equipped single-storey cottage with two en-suite bedrooms. Wi-fi.Recently awarded Visit England 4-star GOLD. Rural retreat, shops/pubs one mile. Enquiries welcome. AS SEEN ON ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY! Tel: 01594 833259 www.cowshedcottage.co.uk ACCOMMODATION WITH BEAUTIFUL GARDENS NORTH DEVON NEAR CLOVELLY. Small barn conversion sleeps 4 (wheelchair friendly). Small cottage and Timber lodge sleeps 2/3. Pub and Shop 2 miles, RHS Rosemoor 1 hour. Brochure 01237 431324 www.foxwoodlodge.co.uk
ADVERTISE HERE FROM JUST
£2 PER WORD
classified@countrygardener.co.uk
SPECIALIST GARDEN PRODUCTS
CustomTimberBuildings.co.uk Log cabins
Stables
Yenstone Walling
Dry Stone Walling and Landscaping Patrick Houchen - DSWA member Tel: 07751278363 / 01963371123 www.yenstonewalling.co.uk
Gloucestershire Quality Bungalow B&B
Tel: 01769520266 www.horrymill.co.uk Email: horrymill@aol.com
Request a copy of our NEW 2026 catalogues 01376 570 000 or at www.kingsseeds.com
01935 891195
ACCOMMODATION HOLIDAY COTTAGES
On small farm with private woodland walks for you & your dog to enjoy. Brochure available. RHS Rosemoor approximately 13 miles.
Garden design & project management Horticultural consultation/advice Wildlife-friendly planting plans
BED & BREAKFAST
BOSWORLAS, ST JUST. Cosy Cottage sleeps 2-4. Sorry no pets. Please email info@bosworlas.co.uk for availability 01736 788709
Devon Traditional Cottage Sleeps 2-4
SEED SUPPLIERS
Churchwood Valley
ONLINE COURSES
Ensuites, rural, large garden, paddocks, ponies and fruit. Ideal Cotswolds, Malvern’s, Forest of Dean, cycle storage, ample parking, Wi-Fi. From £46 p.p.p.n. Tel: 01452 840224 sheila.barnfield1960@gmail.com GARDEN PLANTS/ACCESSORIES
THE GARDENER’S BLACKSMITH jonne@jonne.co.uk 07770 720 373 Artist blacksmith based near Axminster designing and manufacturing garden plant supports, structures, garden art and fine art bronzes.
Garages
Garden Offices
Ex-display buildings for sale | Anything to order
SPECIALIST NURSERIES
burncoose nurseries Plants by Mail Order Nurseries • Landscaping Woodland Gardens
The UK’s largest specialist Mail Order supplier of trees, shrubs herbaceous plants including many rare varieties exclusive to Burncoose. Burncoose Nurseries, Gwennap, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 6BJ Tel: 01209 860316 • email: info@burncoose.co.uk
FOR A FREE CATALOGUE OR TO BUY ONLINE VISIT:
Trees That Heal Make a gift of an online course about medicinal forest gardening. No experience required, flexible learning. www.medicinalforestgardentrust. thinkific.com POLYTUNNEL
www.burncoose.co.uk
FORTON NURSERY Top Quality Perennials, Shrubs & Trees
01460 239569 fortonnursery@btconnect.com www.fortonnursery.co.uk
Commissions welcomed.
Located in Forton village, near Chard TA20 4HD
www.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
WHOLESALE NURSERY
REACH 300,000* LOYAL READERS WITH
Classified advertising
classified@countrygardener.co.uk
POLYTUNNELS FROM £499 AVAILABLE TO VIEW BY APPOINTMENT 01363 84948 info@ferrymanpolytunnels.co.uk
www.ferrymanpolytunnels.co.uk ADVERTISE HERE FROM JUST £2 PER WORD classified@countrygardener.co.uk
YOUNG HARDY NURSERY STOCK FOR GROWING ON AND PLANTING OUT. Griselinia hedging available in many sizes. Also Biochar produced and sold.
WWW.TRIMPLANTS.CO.UK sales@trimplants.co.uk Tel: 01404 41150 Honiton, Devon
NEW SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS available with Country Gardener
To see your advert here, please contact corina@countrygardener.co.uk www.countrygardener.co.uk
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Bring the Outdoors in this Winter
From fresh-cut trees and gorgeous winter blooms to cinnamon-scented wreaths and sparkling lights, we are full of ideas to make your home and garden feel magical this season.
YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR
Festive Shopping Event This year, Christmas has been re-imagined at Otter. Our brand-new Christmas Shops are bursting with more inspiration, more products and more magical displays than ever before.
Your local Otter Garden Centres: OTTERY ST MARY, JACK’S PATCH – Teignmouth, LYMINGTON, PLYMOUTH, TAUNTON, TORBAY, WHITCHURCH – Bristol & WINCANTON
www.ottergardencentres.com
Join us to be one of the first to experience the magic of Christmas at Otter like never before.
Wednesday 21st October 3-7pm at your local Otter Complimentary glass of fizz while you shop.