We have been working hard in the gardens during lockdown to get them ready for the return of visitors this month. The gardens are really coming into their summer peak with soft cloud-like stipa grasses and purple Nepeta (Cat mint) spilling out romantically over the edges of the paths. The stems of Stipa gigantea (Oat grass) are arching out over the box knot garden beds which are filled with white iceberg roses flowering prolifically, which we are dead heading.
Climbing roses such as Rosa Buff Beauty are being tied into new support wires on the walls and are surprising us with the stunning peach & apricot coloured scented flowers.
The garden is full of bees and other insects visiting the yellow flowers of Santolina (Cotton lavender) and purple Verbena bonariensis. The Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ are starting to show the white mop head flowers for what will be a spectacular display. Rosa rugosa is flowering with blush pink and white blooms and the deep dark purple of Salvia ‘Caradonna’ are sending erect flower spikes up out of the borders.
The fig trees have enjoyed the hot spring and are dripping with baby figs – I do hope we get them to ripen this year – an extra bonus for the hotel kitchen. Rosemary is thriving in the sunshine and the white birch trees are casting much-needed shade over the tables around the edge of the garden. We have clipped the yew topiary and yew hedges to return their sharp shapes from the shaggy exuberant growth of spring.
I look forward to grabbing a cold pint at the end of a working day to sit and spend a few contemplative moments in this wonderful garden space to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of our plants in their summer glory.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Tudor Walled Gardens.
To book one of the Pods (sit 4 and 6), please call: 0044 (0)1582 66 22 01- Option 2 or email conference@mgmhotels.co.uk.
The Tudor Walled gardens are licenced for Civil Ceremony, to enquire contact weddings@mgmhotels.co.uk Tel: 0044 (0)1582 66 22 01- Option 2
This blog was written by Matt George, from Inspirational Landscape and Planting Designs. Matt crafted the Tudor Walled Garden in 2018-19. In 2019 TWG won Anglia in Bloom Silver Gilt. W: www.gardenmg.co.uk- Tel: 07500 151 511- E: matt@gardenmg.co.uk
Enjoy 25% off all Matt George garden design packages over £700 this offer is exclusive to OPL clients. Please mention Old Palace Lodge Tudor Walled Gardens blog to redeem your discount. Enjoy!