back
May 2026 Update - Garden
|
Hello everyone,
|
| April has certainly been an interesting month here at Bates Green Garden. The weather has been a mixed bag, with chilly nights giving way to surprisingly hot days and barely a drop of rain in sight. These conditions mean we must keep a close eye on our mature trees and shrubs, we hope very much that they will adapt and cope but, if any do succumb, we will replace them with more resistant species. It is a learning process. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Garden has been open every day throughout the Arlington Bluebell Walk, and we’ve welcomed a delightful influx of new visitors who originally came to admire the carpets of bluebells but then decided to take in the peace and tranquillity of the Garden. The St Wilfrid’s Hospice Open Garden event was another highlight, bringing over 200 guests through our gates. We are deeply grateful to their fantastic team of volunteers, whose enthusiasm and dedication made this event run smoothly. |
|
|
One of the most rewarding aspects of the past month has been the many complimentary comments from visitors. These kind words are always shared with the hardworking Garden Team, who take great pride in keeping Bates Green looking its best. It’s heartening to know our efforts are noticed and appreciated.
In the potting shed, Eilidh has been busy propagating, and she is also now tasked with mowing the lawns, which she has proved herself to be a genius at.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Lucy spotted our first box caterpillar this month and is now working diligently to protect the box plants from further infestation by spraying our specimens with biological control. I would advise anyone against planting new box plants at the moment, as this pest is becoming increasingly common and difficult to control |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Alison is doing a brilliant job helping John to run the Bluebell walk this year. Here is a picture of her looking whimsical amongst the bluebells — maybe dreaming of the time she will be back in the Garden again. We all miss you Alison!
|
 |
| Photo by Justin Lycett |
|
|
I hope your gardens and plots behave themselves in this month of May and that we receive all the right weather. I will close today with a beautiful picture of the Garden taken by John Glover recently.
|
 |
| Photo by John Glover |
|
|
|
|
Emma Reece - Head Gardener
|
This message was added on Saturday 2nd May 2026
Feel free to leave a comment
All comments will be reviewed and may not be published
If you have a general question please use the 'contact us' form
