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June 2026 Update - Garden
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Hello everyone,
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| May was an extremely hot, dry month and I feel as though the Garden Team have spent many an hour with the watering can. It is fascinating to see which species of plants are thriving as opposed to the ones sulking. We are doing what we can to preserve important specimens here but will focus on current successes for future planning and plant security. Making our own compost and using it as mulch is proving to be invaluable as it is protecting the soil from this relentless heat. |
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If you would like to know more about the techniques we employ to sustain the Garden as weather conditions change then do come along to my
Garden Tutorial on Wednesday June 10th at 10am.
We will meander through the paths and borders exploring beautiful plant combinations considering how they bring joy to humans, support wildlife with food and habitat and benefit the environment. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and partake in general group discussion over a delicious slice of homemade cake.
Please book in advance at www.tickettailor.com/events/batesgreen/2016548
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Sarah Wilesmith held two brilliant guided walks in Beatons Wood in May where she taught participants the art of identifying birds through sound alone. I was fortunate to be able to accompany the group on one occasion and so I can testify just how informative and interesting the experience was. Sarah’s next walk will be at the end of this month:
"Tree Tales" on Thursday June 25th at 10am.
Again, booking is essential. www.tickettailor.com/events/batesgreen/2017287
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| Woodpecker holes |
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| We will be planting up our containers with “Edimental” plants over the next few weeks. Alison has made a start, utilising a gap created by a severely pruned Abelia, and has planted two Birdhouse Gourds (Lagenaria siceraria). We hope these will be as vigorous as predicted, covering the wall with white, velvet-like flowers followed by bottle-shaped squash. These will then be dried and hollowed out to form a tough waterproof shell providing a durable eco-friendly nest house that we hope will attract small birds such as wren and blue tit. |
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Watch this space - soon to be covered with gourds |
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We are an RHS Partner Garden, meaning that members can visit free on days we are open to the public (excluding the bluebell Walk period). The competition to find your favourite RHS Partner Garden is now open, and we would love it if you would vote for us! The theme this year is gardens that bring nature to life in imaginative ways. Please read our entry, come for a visit and let us know what you think.
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/partner-gardens/rhs-partner-garden-of-the-year/entries
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At the time of writing this, rain is forecast to fall over the next few days. I will now go back outside for a quick rain dance to make this a certainty.
Enjoy your gardens in June. We hope to see you soon.
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Emma Reece - Head Gardener
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This message was added on Saturday 6th June 2026
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