Gardens and Landscapes

Members may have noticed the absence of the Dovecote along the Lilac Walk in the Low Garden over the winter months. Rot had set into the base of the supporting plinth, due to a rusted socket, and snapped during a storm last September. The winds sent the structure crashing to the ground, damaging a side of the Dovecote and the dove steps. The Dovecote was brought into the Grounds Yard for remedial work overseen by Assistant Senior Gardener, Chris Jeffries. Chris spent the winter lovingly restoring the whole structure, replacing the lead flashing, the damaged roof and steps. Last week Chris and the gardening team reinstalled it in the same position along the Lilac Walk. Unfortunately, the nearby trees and lurking predators means that it is mostly used by the local crows and other wildlife rather than doves, but its location has been retained out of respect for its importance as a landmark in the grounds.

While in the Low Garden, I hope you enjoyed the naturalised narcissi, near the sheep and the woven pea stick structures on the herbaceous border.

Cuttings Table

Have you discovered the Cuttings Table? Located just outside the entrance door to Reception, Head Gardener Aby and her team have set up a small, galvanised metal table and chalkboard to showcase and celebrate a few of the beautiful blossoms and blooms from the gardens and grounds.

Inspired by similar displays at Great Dixter and Middle Temple, the table exhibits the diversity of flora and fauna from across the Club estate. Each week the gardeners will refresh the display, and label both Latin and common names. Intended as an invitation to take a closer look at the Club wealth of plant material, the gardening team hope to bring a moment of delight while sharing some of their knowledge with members.

Each month will have a theme. May was ‘Showstoppers’ in honour of the forthcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This will be followed in June by Pollinator Friendly Flowers with Herbaceous Perennials and Summer Meadow Flowers coming later in the season.

The feedback so far has been incredibly positive, bringing many a smile and inspiring conversations between members and the gardening team. Our gardeners thank members for their kind messages of support and look forward to many more jam jars of floral loveliness.

KATHERINE VAN TIENHOVEN,
CHAIR, GARDENS AND LANDSCAPE