The herb garden has definitely flourished during the dry, hot weather and looks its best during the month of June. It seems that nearly everyone has taken up a trowel and had a go at growing your own. Whether you have a few pots of herbs or a designated plot, here are a few tasks for this weekend.
- Cut dead flowers away from thyme plants and divide if necessary
- Harvest sage for drying
- Take cuttings from mint and place stems in a jar of water to encourage shoots then pot on
- Remove the dead heads from the roses
- Sow seeds of basil and dill to keep you supplied later in the summer
We love to grow cut flowers for the guest rooms, but as we remain closed to visitors during lockdown, these have been bunched into traditional posies and are available to buy from our newly installed ‘honesty box’ at the entrance every weekend.  Get in touch if you would like us to reserve a bunch for you. This week we shall be gathering mixed bunches of David Austin Roses, sweet peas, English Mace, Ladies Mantle, and the last of the sweet Williams. There is also an abundance of squash plants for sale.Â
What’s in season?
We are making the most of the asparagus this weekend as the season now draws to a close for another year. Traditionally growers do not cut asparagus after midsummer or 21 June as this allows the spears to form into a fully developed plant. This ensures that it is able to produce a crop next season.  Broad beans are taking their place and these are perfect to add to a risotto, puree, humus or as a side dish with bacon lardons and chopped savoury.
Treats to look forward to …
- CherriesÂ
- Summer raspberriesÂ
- MulberriesÂ
- Blackcurrants and redcurrantsÂ
- NectarinesÂ
- PeachesÂ
