Gardener’s Corner: September 2024
September has become a bumper month in recent years; it is becoming warmer and sunnier, which has been good for garden interest. Following a warm August—albeit rather cloudy, with a decent amount of rainfall here in Wells—the gardens have remained very colourful and healthy. The lawns have looked green all year, which I cannot remember happening for many years.
September is the perfect month for lawn care and hedge cutting. We will begin cutting our fantastic Euonymus hedging that has replaced the box. It can be cut anytime between April and October, and even twice a year. We cut once in early autumn, which keeps its crisp shape through winter and well into next summer.
We use battery-powered Stihl hedge cutters to avoid the fumes and noise of two-stroke engines. The technology of battery-powered hedge cutters is improving year by year, and the charges of the better batteries now last up to half a day. The thought of regularly using two-stroke now seems ridiculous. Electric hedge cutters still require servicing, and keeping them sharp and the blades well lubricated is key to the best finish.
We will also pick all the apples and pears and take them to be pressed for juice, which you will be able to enjoy in our café.
There is lots to enjoy in the gardens, from our ginger lilies (pictured) to Dahlias, roses, Rudbeckia, Japanese Anemones, and many more. The Community Garden is bursting with produce, and the colourful squash have thrived this summer.
If you have any questions about our gardens, please feel free to ask me or any of the garden team. We look forward to seeing you throughout September!
James Cross, Head Gardener