Spring has sprung and the gardens are full of horticultural promise. This is one of the most exciting times of the year it has to be said - not that other times are dull by any means. But it is now that we starting to sow seeds for the vegetable garden and for selling. We are also fine tuning the vegetable garden beds after the garden volunteers have mulched and, weeded and edged them. They have been rotovated and raked and now are being warmed up with fleece soon to be sown and planted.
During the winter months the Garden Volunteers have done much clearing cutting back and grubbing out. These are essential annual tasks and if we do a bit each year soon we shall get the woodland under control which will allow for more diversity and in turn support more species. Nettles and brambles are good for wildlife but not when they are taking over everywhere.
We will soon be putting the fantastic brush wood that was produced from coppicing the hazel in the woodland to good use. Brushwood is ideal for staking the herbaceous perennials in the knot garden as attractive structures can be built without the need for string. I am running brushwood staking practical workshop on 15th April 2016 1.30-3.30pm – see the What’s on guide.
We have nearly finished putting up wire supports along the inside of the Walled Garden and planted the fruit trees that are to be trained. The next task is to neaten up and cut out wall borders, some with the idea to plant up, and some more narrow ones just for the trees. The trees are still very young and will be headed back and this coming growing season shall produce the first branches for us to train. The apples and pears will be espaliered and the peaches, cherries and plums will be fan trained. There are also some climbing roses and other ornamental climbers to go in too.
I’m looking very forward to seeing these fruit trees as well as the orchard that was planted by garden volunteers, mature. We would have seen this from day dot – a very satisfying horticultural thing.
Without our army or garden volunteers we wouldn’t be anywhere near to improving and developing the gardens at Fulham Palace and so we are very grateful. Thank you for your time, enthusiasm and commitment.
Lucy Hart
Head Gardener