More Hedge Cutting

This years hedge cutting started with the longest hedge, the box hedge, on the 19th June and has been continuing periodically since then. Simon cut the long yew hedge that divides the orchard and Kieron, over the last two days, has clipped the thirty box balls in the Serpentine border.

Ady spent today cutting the yew hedge at the bottom of the Provost's garden whilst Ali cut the box hedges in the Linbury Building courtyard. Two hedges are now left until the hedge cutting is complete, the yew hedge by the car park and the large yew hedge the borders along the Provost's driveway.

Orchard Long Grass Cut Down

The long grass in the orchard has started to flatten and look untidy, so it is time to cut it down. Ady, using the large Iseki ride on mower, sets the cutting deck to a high level to start and gradually reduces the decks height until all the grass has been cut. The dark green paths, that had weaved through the long grass, are still visible, and, with the grass now short, it will be kept at this height as easy access is required for the fruit tree picking season that fast approaches.

Nicotiana sylvestris

Nicotiana sylvestris

As you walk through the top archway, from the front quad, and start your walk down the herbaceous border, a group of the statuesque Nicotiona sylvestris announce what floral beauty is about to befall you. Standing five feet tall, they add a touch of class to the start of the border, their stately flower stems can't help but catch your eye, gracefully exploding like pure white fireworks.

Coton Manor Garden

South West Terrace

The gardeners spent a lovely sunny afternoon visiting the gardens at Coton Manor. Located between Northampton and Rugby, 6 miles from the M1 junction 16 and 18, these stunning 10 acres of garden are overlooked by the 17th century manor house. The team enjoyed a private tour by owner and Head Gardener, Susie Pasley-Tyler, and came away truly inspired by the many carefully, and lovingly, planted borders. (www.cotonmanor.co.uk)

Holly Hedge Border

Canal Run Border

Rose Garden

Acacia Border

Mischievous Muscovy

After morning tea break, Ali, Joss and Sophie were walking through the front quad to be greeted by the sight of three mischievous Muscovy walking on the lawn, ducks and people are not allowed on the quad lawn. The ducks spotted them and quickly waddled over to them thinking they would be warmly welcomed. Not so, before they were able to make any messy deposits on the lawn, they were carefully ushered off the lawn and through the arch, much to the amusement of onlookers gathered on the top terrace.

Not content with their adventure on to the quad lawn, within the hour, the three Muscovy had regrouped and joined the other three to make an attempt to breach the defences to the Provost's garden. Spotted by Sophie and Ali as the ducks made their way across the bridge to the open gate, it was shut, just in time, to scupper another adventure, mean gardeners!

Chitalpa tashkentensis

Chitalpa tashkentensis

With its giant relative, the Catalpa tree, in sight of it in the gardens, the Chitalpa tashkentensis, is now putting on its own stunning floral display. A hybrid of Chilopsis and Catalpa, this much smaller, more rounded tree, is covered in frilly pink flowers with yellow throats, and has caused a great interest amongst visitors to the gardens. (To compare the flowers of its relative, refer to blog entry 11th July 2012, 'Catalpa speciosa and Impatiens tinctoria').

The Warm Glow Of Rudbeckia

The gardens of Worcester have been increasing filled with Rudbeckia over recent years. This year, in the corner border, they have been used as the main plant, creating a warm glow of yellow, orange, bronze, mahogany red and gold.

Rudbeckia hirta 'Moreno'

New to the gardens is Rudbeckia hirta 'Moreno', its mahogany red flowers with golden orange tips, has already become a favourite and will be grown again next year.

Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Forest'

Returning, after its successful introduction last year, is Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Forest, with its lovely dark mahogany red centre with bright yellow tips.

Rudbeckia hirta 'Chim Chiminee'

Two favourite Rudbeckia, always grown, are 'Chim Chiminee', unusual quilled petals around a brown centre and 'Cherokee Sunset', double and semi-double flowers, making a perfect contrast to each other.

Rudbeckia x hirta hybrida 'Cherokee Sunset'

Herbaceous Border

With the soaring temperatures of July, the Rudbeckia have created a very warm display around the gardens, in particular, helping to turn up the heat, in an already sunny corner.

Corner Border