April 2026
Dear Gardening Friends,
This autumn arrived early and quickly in Canterbury. Balmy sunny days have made our time in the garden so enjoyable without the intense heat of summer.
Much time has been spent lifting, dividing and replanting hostas in other areas of the garden as they have outgrown their original space. They are such easy plants to care for and we don’t have slugs to polka dot them as we have such abundant birdlife.
The reconstruction of the pond is ongoing and yesterday nine Prunus serrula, the mahogany-barked cherry trees, were removed. After thirty years, the majority was dying back. As with many larger things, once something is removed, new views that couldn’t be imagined before, have been exposed. The front parterre, where the trees grew, is more defined, and distant views of our established trees, cows grazing on the neighbour’s property and adjacent country hills for a soft backdrop.
I am looking forward to next week when we be planting treasures that I have bought or been given by kind garden friends. We also have an excess of plant material which we will give to the propagators of Friends of the local Botanic Gardens. As many of you know, they hold a very good plant stall in the gardens just across from the Tea Kiosk building.
Most importantly, my gardening friend, Jenny Cooper, from Blue House Amberley took the photos for March and April’s newsletters. What a talent she has.
Photo 1: From the summerhouse.
Photo 2: Dahlia Rococco, one of our most popular selling plants.
Photo 3: Gaura and eryngiums starting to do their autumn flop. This year, for the first time, we cut the gaura back by half in early February and now it is flowering profusely, at a lower height, without flopping over so much. A must-do from now on.
Photo 4: It’s a small world.
Photo 5: A sixteen year old’s thoughts.
Most of you know that I used to take garden and cultural tours to other parts of the world for many years. I did enjoy those times so much and many clients became friends. We still keep in touch. As my swansong I’ve been thinking about taking a tour to Tasmania in October. Can I please have expressions of interest, no commitment at all, to see if it’s worth preparing a tour.
Very best wishes to you all,
Margaret
