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Cressing
Temple
Tudor Garden Update - Early Summer 2007 |
| Spring 2007 Update | Mid Summer 2007 Update | Late Summer 2007 Update |
The garden is especially fragrant at this time of year as roses come into bloom and other perfumed plants like Dianthus in the Nosegay Garden come into their own.
Roses were an important plant in the Tudor garden and particularly so during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Not only was their perfume and appearance valued but the symbolic significance of the Tudor Rose was read as a sign for peace and stability. The cult of the ‘virgin queen’ was also associated closely with garden flowers and sonnets were penned to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s role as monarch and muse. Some old varieties are cultivated here that have intense fragrance though their flowering period is brief.
Early summer is also when the Flowery Mead is at its most striking with many wild plants in flower. Oxeye daisy, vetch and the bee orchid Ophrys apifera, can all been seen. Insects, particularly months and butterflies benefit from the longer grass.
In the Potager, the vegetables are beginning to become well established and berries on the gooseberry bushes are maturing nicely. Pumpkin plants will be planted out in June.
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
