Every month we feature two blogs written by volunteers, one describes an object in the Palace and one a plant from the Garden. It is a great way for us all to learn more about the Palace, if you would like to contribute there is no set format so please do send us your ideas!
When Bishop Grindal first introduced the Tamarisk tree to Fulham Palace from Switzerland in the sixteenth century, he remarked that the site was ideal as it was "moist and fenny". In those days there was no embankment by the river and the Thames no doubt encroached onto the Palace grounds. Now we have a vastly different proposition, with well drained soil and have had to meet the challenge of keeping the Garden well watered during the astonishing and wonderful summer we have just experienced (was the fact that the thermometer in the Vinery registered over 50C on April 19 a hint of what was to follow?). That the Garden has not only survived, but blossomed during this time is a tribute to the unrelenting hard work of Head Gardener Lucy Hart, the garden apprentices, staff and volunteer team. To go from the treats that the "Beast from the East" offered up and then to a hot, dry summer but nonetheless have the Garden in such good shape is a testament to all concerned.
One further aid to success over these last few hot, dry months has been the two underground tanks located behind the Vinery. Here, all the rainwater from both the Vinery itself and the Bothies is collected and has proved a major boon in keeping the Garden well irrigated. Not enough by itself of course during these exceptional days, but a major plus.
Bishop Grindal was also notable for sending grapes to Queen Elizabeth 1 and at the farewell party for apprentice Lizzie Mansfield (who has now moved on to Cambridge Botanic Garden), we were all treated to a delicious cocktail which included grape juice from the present day grapes in the Walled Garden - duly named by our master mixer, Lucy Hart, "The Grindal". Having bade farewell to Lizzie in fine style, we were all delighted to welcome our newest apprentice, Alfonso Moreno. Alfonso has previously been involved as a garden volunteer so is well aware of the challenges (and fun !) that Fulham Palace Garden has to offer.
Unbelievably (how quickly the seasons go by) it is now only a matter of a few days until one of the major events in the Fulham Palace calendar comes round again. I refer, of course, to to the Apple Day Celebration on Sunday 7 October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Walled Garden. Loads of activities - bee keeping and wood turning demonstrations, baking competition (I don't feel I'm quite ready for this yet, but will keep practising), tastings, storytelling and more. Not forgetting the wonderful plants and produce on sale from the Barrow - come and see (and buy !) the quite wonderful results of the team's hard work over the last few months. Sales proceeds are ploughed back in to the Garden (I'm hoping that an additional sprinkler could be funded to make the Garden not exactly "moist and fenny" but at least to give the gardening team something of a break).
Garden Volunteer, Jamie Atwell
Please send your ideas for Object / Specimen of the Month blogs to rachel.bagnall-bray@fulhampalace.org. If you would like some help, let us know.
Apple Day will be back this Sunday, 7th October!