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Cressing
Temple
Tudor Garden Update - Spring 2007 |
| Early Summer 2007 Update | Mid Summer 2007 Update | Late Summer 2007 Update |
Dry, warm weather throughout April has brought on many flowering plants earlier than usual like bluebells and honeysuckle. The great crested newts - to be found in the round pond at this time of year, have also been breeding.
Spring was a time of celebration in the Middle Ages and Tudor period and May Day festivities marked the end of winter. The carpet of delicate periwinkle flowers Vinca minor, under the topiary bay in the Nose Gay Garden are evocative of designs typically found on medieval tapestries depicting the delights of spring and the anticipation of summer.
Fruit blossom is blooming in the orchard and an array of wild flowers can be seen in the Flowery Meads including oxeye daisy, vetch and the bee orchid Ophrys apifera. These areas of the garden are a haven for insects and wildlife as well as providing a contrast to the more formal layout of the Knot Garden and Potager.
Irises are flowering in the Pool Garden and soapwort Soponaria officinalis - once providing an effective soap substitute, grows beside them. Over the Arbour, hops are growing vigorously and the golden hop Humulus lupulus aureus is climbing over the viewing platform overlooking the Knot Garden.
The fount and star pool
in the Walled Garden.
As the use of water in the garden is at a premium the fountain will now be running at peak times only to reduce evaporation. However, if you particularly wish to see it running at other times please ask a member of staff.
William Rallison
Horticulturist
