The Garden Diaries

By Belvoir Head Gardener – Tom Webster

3rd March 2022

A couple of years ago we replanted the Rose Garden and enlarged the planting area (without spoiling the original design by Harold Peto). Not all of these roses have enjoyed their positions perhaps taking exception to the giant oaks which overshadow them, and perhaps to the soil (I will speak on this at length later).  So, I am moving them and replacing them with older varieties and species which will put up with things without complaint.  These will include Maiden’s Blush; Rosa Mutabilis; Old Blush; R. Centifolia; R. Glauca; R. Gallica Officinalis……….the fragrance will be overwhelming!

I am expecting a delivery of rare and unusual shrubs and trees to further enhance the Spring Gardens, where old trails have been rediscovered and cleared to better explore and view those original specimens planted long ago.  Also, a little easier to navigate for those not having the agility of a Chamois.

Our volunteers, I must say, have done a marvelous job clearing the Camelias of brambles in the Japanese Garden; a job often overlooked.  (One cannot underestimate the value of volunteers – I dearly wish I had more).  We have a splendid collection here and they’re looking very good this year, budding up nicely. These are ‘Williamsii’ cultivars, appropriately planted by Mr. Charles Williams himself, Great Grandson of the man who originally hybridized them.

March is the time to consider sowing vegetables, weather conditions allowing, and I am shuffling packets galore in delightful anticipation……… more on this to come.

The adventure continues…

Tom Webster