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Cressing
Temple
Tudor Garden Update - Late Spring 2008 |
| Early Summer 2007 Update | Mid Summer 2007 Update | Late Summer 2007 Update | Spring 2008 |
Spring was
a time for 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.
Flowery meads are full
of colour.
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, if lucky, 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.
Giant Fennel is dramatic
at this time of year.
Irises are flowering in the Pool Garden and soapwort Soponaria officinalis
- once providing an effective soap ingredient, 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.
New knots are being developed.
The new
low box maze feature recently planted at the top of the Flowery Mead will
be completed shortly.
William Rallison
Horticulturist
