Hidcote

Something to warm your heart... and your stomach

2011-01-06T15:49:00.008Z

Some people may think that along with the cold, blustery days of January, also comes the absence of anything exciting or versatile on the shelves of the local fruit and veg monger. But that's not true! Although December saw the season ending for traditional fruits such as quinces, sloes, and pears, January is the beginning of the season for forced (indoor) rhubarb.

Here is a recipe which is just the thing to warm you on a winter's day. Some fruit mongers should have forced rhubarb available, dig in and look forward to welcoming a cold morning with open arms!

Rhubarb Cake
60g butter
1 tsp lemon rind (can also use orange)
1 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 med freedom food eggs
1 c. each self raising flour and plain flour, sifted and set aside
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 c soured cream
6c forced rhubarb, clean, trimmed, coarsely chopped

1/3 c. (about 70-75 g) packed brown sugar, mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg, to top the cake

Preheat the oven to 180oC, or less for a fan oven. Grease well a 10' cake pan (23 cm), line the base with baking paper. Cream the butter, sugars, rind, and eggs in a bowl until fluffy. It may look curdled but that's ok. Gently stir in the sifted flours and spices. Add the rhubarb in 2 batches, gently. Spread the cake into the pan, then top with the separate sugar/spices mixture. Bake for about 90 mins, but check with a cake tester. Turn out to a wire rack to cool and serve with oodles of whipped cream or custard. Make sure to keep it covered and away from hungry hands!

Wreath making... and spiced apple cake!

2010-12-13T13:13:00.003Z

Last week the Barn Cafe was awash with holly, berries, ivy, flora, fauna, and oasis rings... the winter wreath making class had arrived!

The half day event, which was held over two days, had everyone really putting their heart and soul into it. Jane, our Plant Centre Manager, was a great host and never seemed to tire of helping people make decorative bows. Vicki from the garden also helped with her infectious personality and love for the garden. It was a definite success, and there were even some second-timers to give advice to the green wreath makers!

Christmas music was played, lunch was enjoyed, and the second best loved thing about the event (besides the wreaths, of course) seemed to be the apple and sultana cake. We had quite a few requests for it, and Sarah our Chef has graciously given the recipe for you to enjoy. Enjoy!

Apple and Sultana Sponge (makes 1 large)
This can also be made gluten free, just replace the self raising flour with rice flour.
1 springform pan, lined and lightly greased
6oz. self raising flour
6oz. sugar
6oz. margarine
3 freedom food eggs
1/2 tsp. mixed spice
1 large cooking apple, large diced
2oz sultanas

In a large bowl, beat the margarine and the sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and mixed spice, then the diced apple. Pour half of the mixture into the springform pan, then top with sultanas, then add the rest of the batter. Bake at 180' for about 25-30 mins. If you're cooking in a fan oven, reduce the heat to 160'-170' depending on your oven.

Sprinkle the cake with sugar (if you wish) and serve with fresh cream. It will last three days - if you don't eat it first!

Courgette Cake

2010-08-04T09:33:00.002+01:00

We've been getting lots of enquiries recently about our new courgette cake, so here's the recipe...

3 free range eggs
130ml sunflower oil
150g golden caster sugar
225g self raising flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
275g courgettes

For the topping you'll need;
200g cream cheese
1/2 lemon
100g icing sugar

* Preheat the oven to 200oC or gas mark 6
* Beat the eggs with the sugar and oil until nice and creamy
* Using a sieve add the flour with the bicarbonate on soda and baking powder and stir to mix
* Grate the courgettes coarsely and stir into the mixture
* Turn into a greased tins and bake for between 25-30 minutes until golden
* Cool on a rack

For the topping;
* Mix the icing sugar, juice from the lemon and cream cheese together and spread over the cake
* Swirl the icing with a fork and decorate with borage flowers

Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Special Visitor

2010-06-16T12:16:00.003+01:00

A very special visitor has recently been spotted soaring high in the sky above Hidcote. A red kite, more commonly seen in Wales, central Scotland and central England has been delighting visitors with aerial fly-pasts. Those dedicated 'birders' who braved the early start at our dawn chorus walk were also rewarded with a rare glimpse of our new feathered friend.

Here's some fascinating facts for you. Red kites can live up to 20 years and have an impressive wing span of two metres! They're renowned for their distinctive forked tail and striking red chestnut coloured feathers. It is reported that they became so close to extinction that in 1977 the entire population of kites emanated from just one female bird!

We've all got our fingers crossed that our red kite likes the Cotswolds and stays a bit longer.

Supernatural Signings

2010-06-14T13:01:00.002+01:00

We're delighted to be welcoming the renowned author Diz White on Saturday 26 June. She'll be here signing copies of her new book - aptly titled 'Haunted Cotswolds'. You'll be able to meet Diz and get an exclusive signed copy of her book anytime between 2pm and 4pm.

As the name suggests, Diz has gathered together spine-chilling tales of ghosts and the undead from every corner of the Cotswolds, revealing in heart-stopping detail our region's unexplained events that lurk beneath the rolling hills and beautiful visitas.

British-born Diz, together with her husband Randall Montgomery whose photographs illustrate the book, divides her time between a career in Hollywood as an actress and screenplay writer, and her cottage in Gloucestershire, which she uses as a base for writing books about the Cotswolds.

The Great 178!

2010-05-31T22:40:00.005+01:00

Another Bank Holiday weekend has just come and gone and for the most part the sun shone down on us making for perfect garden weather.

The Garden Restaurant set a new record this weekend serving the most lunches we have ever served. On Sunday between 12 noon and 2.30pm we served 178 freshly made lunches. A new Hidcote catering team record and a day that will go down in the memories as the day we served 'the great 178'

Pig Power

2010-05-15T13:07:00.004+01:00

We'll soon be using a pair of rare breed pigs to help clear the next plot in our rapidly growing Kitchen Garden. The ten week old Berkshires, reportedly our oldest breed of pig, are arriving this week - much to Glyn's growing excitement!

As part of our ongoing restoration, the pigs will be helping us to revive an age-old tradition of clearing the land ready for planting. They will be rooting out vegetation and clearing the grubs from the soil. And as Glyn says, they're also adding fresh, nutritious fertiliser as they go!

Here's a sneeky peek of our new piggy additions to the garden. Why not come and see them for yourself and you'll even be able to have a go at feeding them too.

Ready for All Weathers

2010-05-15T13:02:00.003+01:00

A sudden down pour won't dampen your spirits anymore. We now have a healthy supply of emergency ponchos to give out to unsuspecting visitors should the heaven's open. They're free and can be picked up from the visitor reception. So don't let the Great British weather get the better of you this summer - get out and about...and stay dry!

Almost Time for Tennis

2010-05-08T12:35:00.003+01:00

Yes, at long last our clay court will soon be ready to welcome its first tennis players of the season. The new surface has arrived and - weather permitting! - will be laid on Monday.

Hurrah for Handkerchiefs

2010-05-08T12:27:00.003+01:00

Well it would seem that despite the freezing winter, the cold temperatures have actually had a beneficial effect on the garden. Not only have the magnolias had their best year in over a decade, but it looks like our Chinese Handkerchief Tree is about to follow suit! Give it another few days and the typical white bracts will be looking amazing and giving our courtyard a real spring lift.

Turf-tastic

2010-04-28T10:40:00.002+01:00

I can't believe it's only been two months since the turfing contractors dug up the Red Border and Old Garden! New drains and a modified soil (which Glyn reliably informs me is used at Old Trafford) were laid. The mini diggers did cause a bit of a talking point amongst early spring visitors but the experiment to toughen up the soil to allow greater access does seem to be working. It was thought that both areas would be closed for the whole season as the soil and turf settled and established, but on Monday the Red Border was open to visitors to see how it stood up to the patter of feet. So far so good. Although upon further inspection, we feel that the ground needs a little longer before we can open it up more regularly. However, it shouldn't be closed for the whole season as we first feared. Watch this space....

It's Tulip Time

2010-04-28T10:31:00.002+01:00

No sooner have the magnolias finished their incredible display, then it's the turn of the tulips. The lovely sunny weather recently has really made a difference. The tulips are looking great - especially in the Old Garden and Red Border. So there should be plenty for Glyn to talk about in his tulip tour this afternoon!

Pink Clouds Return to Hidcote

2010-04-16T16:20:00.002+01:00

We all breathed a big sigh of relief this week as the magnolias finally began to flower - albeit several weeks later than usual. They are not disappointing our Spring visitors. The pink flowers look absolutely stunning in the Stream Garden and Winter Border. But be quick if you want to see them. Cold weather is forecast next week. I even heard that there was a possibility of snow!

Wedding bells are ringing at Hidcote

2010-04-12T12:34:00.004+01:00

Saturday 27 March was a very exciting day for us here at Hidcote, it was the day of our first wedding ceremony.

Lawrence Johnston's chapel was primed and ready to go (decorated with some stunning flowers from The Bay Tree at Campden) and there was a bustle as guests awaited that arrival of the bride in the courtyard.

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the bride was a vision in white!

All went off without a hitch and the newly married couple set off into the sunset for their honeymoon!

Daffodil planting at Ebrington school

2009-12-17T14:34:00.003Z

This morning Myself, John, Gordon and Matt, went over to Ebrington school. we had a few surplus Daffodils left and got in touch with Mrs Robertson one of the teachers there and she was very happy for the garden team to plant them in the school grounds. Every child from rececption to year 6 was involved and planted at least one clump of bulbs. the weather was very sunny but cold and the ground was very claggy! the children really enjoyed the morning and dug the planting pits with gusto.

The Hidcote team also really enjoyed the morning and I was tickled by one comment made by a young boy, which was about the digging spades we were using, he said " a spade a great peice of technology!"

Every child will hopefully remember which group of Daffs they planted, and watch them flourish for many years to come. Who knows one of them may even in the future go on to become a gardener at Hidcote. A great morning work.

Glyn

Lovely Ladybirds

2009-10-14T15:45:00.003+01:00

Today seemed quite a normal day, until lunchtime that is. For the past couple of hours we've been swamped with thousands of ladybirds! They're everywhere - crawling along window frames, nestling into our computer keyboards and flying pretty much everywhere you look.

We think they're harlequin ladybirds, but some have lots of spots, others only just a few. Some are red with black spots, others are black with red spots!

It's taken us all by surprise.

The Great Plant Giveaway

2009-10-11T08:59:00.003+01:00

Well it's that time of year again - which is great news for all garden bargain hunters. Our plant sales centre is offering a plant-astic three for the price of two offer on all of its plants (except the ever popular hellebores and newly arrived orchids). To top it off, all packets of seeds are an amazing half price!

So there really is no excuse to get your garden ready for next Spring.

Hurry while stocks last...

Insect Inspiration

2009-10-06T12:12:00.003+01:00

Something new is happening in the Old Orchard! The gardeners have been busy making a winter home for beneficial insects like ladybirds. But they need help as it's not quite finished yet.

We need these insects so that next Spring they can help Sarah, the Kitchen Gardener eat all of the bugs that munch through her vegetables.

So if you visit this Autumn and Winter, remember to collect things like twigs, cones, fallen leaves and feathers so that you can add them to our new insect home.

Autumn Glory

2009-10-06T11:00:00.002+01:00

Finally, the rain has arrived today. However, the magnificent September weather has resulted in some stunning early Autumn colour. The Wilderness is leading the way with the Euonymus europaeus turning an eye-catching shade of pink. Not to be out done is the yellow Tilia cordata, growing just opposite the Euonymus.

If roses are more your thing, see the beautiful 'Gruss an Achen' while you can in the White Garden. As soon as the bad weather takes hold, they will disappear almost as quickly as they appeared.

It's a Jungle Out There

2009-09-30T16:36:00.002+01:00

Last week two very special visitors set up home over in our Plant Sales Centre. The magnificent (almost life-size!) mother and baby giraffe, created by Zimbolic have certainly been causing a bit of a stir amongst visitors since their arrival. Hand crafted in Zimbabwe, the beautiful giraffe sculptures are made from recycled metal oil drums and provide the artists with stable employment and a safe workshop environment.

Other, more conveniently sized sculptures for sale include ducks, hedgehogs, herons and wart hogs! An ideal Christmas present for someone who has everything.

Autumn's Here

2009-09-30T16:24:00.002+01:00

It's true. Autumn has officially arrived. The garden team have spent the day securing the glass panels to the front of the tropical planthouse. The panels are essential to protect the tender plants from the threat of winter frosts. The panels will stay in place until all chance of frost has gone - sometime during late Spring 2010!

Don't Miss the Dahlias

2009-09-29T11:21:00.002+01:00

As Autumn closes in and with the first frost forecast on Thursday don't miss the stunning display of Dahlias. The Red Border is living up to its name and is looking resplendent in the late summer sunshine.

But be quick. As soon as the frosts arrive, the Dahlias will be gone for another year.

Pumpkin Power

2009-09-29T11:11:00.003+01:00

It's proving to be a bumper harvest in the Kitchen Garden's first year. Sarah and Jazz have just harvested over 45 pumpkins - just in time for our family Pumpkin Trail at the end of October.

Never tried pumpkin? Then visit our restaurant during October as the surplus pumpkins (of which there's sure to be a few) will be included in the autumnal menu. Delicious!

Autumn & Winter Events

2009-09-06T11:33:00.013+01:00

We're pleased to announce the return of our Autumn & Winter events programme!

Autumn has arrived (a little early this year I feel) so it seems like the perfect time to let you all know about the exciting events we have coming up over the next few months.

Ranging from refreshing winter rambles, to wine tasting evenings, to a selection of workshops - we have the perfect event to suit everybody this Autumn!

Details of all our events are as follows:

Autumn Ramble & Hearty Lunch
Saturday 7 November 9.15am – 2pm
£30 per person.

Winter Ramble & Festive Feast
Saturday 5 December 9.15am – 2pm
£30 per person

Introduction to Garden Photography
Friday 13 November 9.15am – 4pm
£50 per person

The Kitchen Garden – One Year On
Friday 4 December 10.30am – 2pm
£20 per person

Who was Lawrence Johnston?
Friday 27 November 10.30am – 2pm
£20 per person

Pudding Passions
Friday 20 November 10.30am – 2pm
£20 per person

Wine Tasting Evening
Thursday 12 November 6.30pm – 9pm
£25 per person

GreenGrows the Holly
Friday 18 December 10.30am – 2pm
£20 per person

Winter Wreath Workshop
Friday 11 December 10.30am – 2pm
£20 per person

Last Chance Santa
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December
£3 per person

Advance booking is essential on all our events!

For more information on our events or to book a place call the office on 01386-438333 or visit the National Trust website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

Intoxicated bees

2009-07-20T16:12:00.004+01:00

We are getting lots of concerned visitors worried about the bees that are feeding off the nectar from the Eryngium giganteum, commonly called Miss Willmott's Ghost!

The bees are very busy feeding on the nectar - making them appear drunk [as drunk as a bee!] and lazy, eventually falling asleep to sleep off their over indulgence. I quizzed Eric our resident bee expert and he reassured me that the bees suffer no long term consequences and actually benefit from the sugar content of the nectar.

The bees that seem to be the busiest around the Eryngiums are the bumble bees with a few honey bees also benefiting.

Just for your information Miss Willmott's Ghost is so called because the Edwardian garden designer and friend of The Major's, Miss Ellen Willmott, use to collect the seed and when visiting friends or clients would scatter the seed. With the Eryngium being a bi-annual, it would germinate and flower the next year, so therefore becoming known as 'Miss Willmott's Ghost'

Regards

Glyn

Plant Survey

2009-07-09T07:47:00.003+01:00

Yesterday Franklin Tancock the National Trust Plant Collections Curator inducted Sally Oats our contractor to the property. Sally can be seen with a GPS device in hand plotting the position of all woody and herbaceous planting. This survey will enable future digital interpretation of our plant collection. Sally will be working at Hidcote two or three days a week for several weeks. This is very exciting for us, and we are looking forward to managing the plant collection in a more professional.
Glyn

Statement from Franklin.
For many years it has been the objective of The National Trust to have a comprehensive record of the significant plants within its gardens and parks. This is no longer a dream but now a reality with the introduction of this plant database. It will improve the way we manage our collections and give a greater understanding of their needs. With your help we will begin to build the largest history of plants anywhere in the world for the enjoyment of future generations. The hope is that you will feel part of this milestone and enjoy the benefits of being able to share your information with your colleagues and fellow horticulturist everywhere. Franklin Tancock

What is that smell?

2009-06-30T11:56:00.004+01:00

This has been the most frequently asked question this week! A strange aroma has been haunting the Rose Walk and car park over the past few days. And the culprit - Colin the new Composter.

The new digester that we have affectionately named Colin has been put into action and is now busy recycling our kitchen waste to make compost for the garden. The whole process takes as little as three weeks to complete with the first compost expected soon. However, Colin gets very hungry so Jim, our Kitchen Porter has been given the responsibility of feeding him fresh kitchen waste each day. Lucky Jim - or should that be lucky Colin?!

Vigorous veg

2009-06-30T11:41:00.004+01:00

Wow! We don't know what Sarah's secret is in the Kitchen Garden but her beautiful vegetables just keep on growing and growing! Last Friday show the largest harvest of veggies going into the kitchen - just in time for the summer menu. Included in this mega harvest were a mix of salads, spring onions, beetroot leaf, rocket and various herbs including rosemary, parsley as well as the very tasty hot and spicy oregano.

Sarah's talents don't just end with veggies. She has also been busy growing sweet peas and cornflowers that now grace the tables in the restaurant. To top it all off, a vase of nicotiana, ammi majus, corn flowers and phacelia all grown by Sarah's fair hand is also on display for visitors to enjoy.

Beautiful beetroot

2009-06-10T10:15:00.002+01:00

As the new Kitchen Garden continues to go from strength to strength, to celebrate its re-introduction the garden team are experimenting with a new planting scheme in the East Court Garden. Gone are the spring displays of violas and in come the ornamental beetroots! John, our Deputy Head Gardener is a little worried that they may go to seed too early if the sun continues to shine but their vibrant red leaves look fabulous at the moment.

The picture shows last years' pink theme in the East Court Garden.

Praying for rain!

2009-06-05T09:15:00.005+01:00

Never thought I would be heard saying this but, "I am desperate for rain". This spring has been the driest I can remember in over 30 years of gardening. We have had no significant rain since the winter. The garden team have been very busy for over 2 weeks planting out our tender displays, and we need to water then in in order to give them the best possible start.

The stream that runs through the garden is practically dry. Phil who has worked at Hidcote for over 30 years says its only ever dried up a couple of times before and never in late May early June.

Let's hope we do not live to regret this, but please can we all do a little rain dance for the Hidcote garden team!!!

Regards

Glyn

Champion Trees

2009-06-02T07:29:00.003+01:00

We recently received the results for our tree survey carried out by the Tree Register - a group of enthusiasts that measure the largest trees within the UK.
We have 3 National Champions which are the Aesculus indica in the Lower Steam which measures 19m in height with a girth of 360cm.
Our second Champion is the Armenian Oak up in the Woody Wilderness, measuring 8m in height with a girth of 206cm. This specimen is in decline and we are presently propagating it.
Our newest 'Champion' is not really a tree because it is multi stemed, but the Registra has listed it officially. It is the Osmanthus yunnanensis syn Forrestii with a height of 9m and girth of 138cm.
We also have 19 County Champions which is a superb result when you consider within the county of Gloucestershire we have both Westonbirt and Batsford arboretums!
Regards

Glyn

Sun glorious sun

2009-05-26T10:51:00.003+01:00

What an amazing Bank Holiday weekend. The sun shone, the flowers bloomed and we welcomed a record amount of visitors. Sunday was our second busiest day ever - with just over 2,600 vistors enjoying the garden! It was amazing to see so many people here making the most of the glorious weather.

Our week long programme of Food Glorious Food events also got off to a great start with children discovering more about the art of gardening with our tomato plug planting workshops and seed giveaways. Let's hope we've inspired the next generation of Kitchen Gardeners.

Inspirational Hidcote

2009-05-20T13:19:00.002+01:00

Congratulations Ulf Nordfjell on not only winning Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show but also winning the prestigous Best in Show award. Ulf's garden successfully tied the knot between Swedish modernism and traditional English-cottage gardening. And his inspiration for this - Hidcote. Ulf said "This idea I had from Hidcote...The tall hedges and sense of enclosure are something the English love".

Hidcote can inspire you too!

The great tulip giveaway

2009-05-20T13:09:00.003+01:00

No sooner have the tulips finished flowering than the garden team have been busy digging them up. To the surprise of visitors, the gardeners have been bagging them up and offering them as souvenirs of their visit. The tulips have quite literally been walking out of the garden! It's not too late to take home a piece of Hidcote, there are still some left but they're going fast. If you can't make, there's always next year.

Purple rain

2009-05-20T13:01:00.004+01:00

Well it might have been a bit colder, windier and wetter than we're used to but it hasn't stopped the garden from turning purple. Yes, it seems that all things purple have started to flower. The wonderful wisterias were the first to start the trend, quickly followed by the amazing alliums in the Pillar Garden and more recently the unusual Foxglove Tree in the Orchard. Purple is certainly the colour of the month at Hidcote.

Vegetables rocket

2009-05-06T15:17:00.004+01:00

Well it's only been a matter of weeks, but already Sarah has been harvesting the first crop from the Kitchen Garden. The rocket has quite literally rocketed! A very proud Sarah handed over the freshly picked rocket to another Sarah (our Chef) for inclusion into the restaurant's seasonal menu.

Visitors will be able to taste the fruits of her labour as a tasty Pea and Rocket Soup will soon be appearing on the menu.

Game, set and match

2009-04-29T16:10:00.002+01:00

Final preparations got underway today to complete the new tennis court. The contractors moved in this morning, ready to lay the top surface. We are a bit nervous about the weather forecast for tomorrow - having seen that heavy rain is on the way. We're just hoping that rain won't stop play this time and that the court will be ready for visitors to play on in May. Fingers crossed...

New directions

2009-04-29T15:35:00.003+01:00

At last - the oak posts marking each of the garden 'rooms' have been installed. The mammoth task, taking two people five days to complete marks the end of a project that thousands of Hidcote visitors will be able to enjoy. No longer will volunteers find lost souls wandering aimlessly around the garden trying to find the way out!

Sweet pea delicious

2009-04-29T15:18:00.003+01:00

Oh dear, poor Sarah our increasingly frustrated Kitchen Gardener! Not only have the garden's resident population of wild rabbits dug underneath the fence surrounding the new Kitchen Garden, they have then decided that her crop of sweet peas were far too good to miss. Over the past few nights they have been happily munching their way through most of the peas. Luckily some still survive so all is not lost.

Garden full of handkerchiefs

2009-04-29T14:54:00.002+01:00

No, we haven't been reducing our visitors to tears. Following the beautiful Spring weather we've been having the magnificent Chinese Handkerchief Tree is blooming much earlier than normal. The white bracts that the tree is famous for have been appearing thick and fast this week. If you haven't had chance to see the tree in all its glory, visit us soon as the display will only last a few precious weeks.

The garden has been full of early arrivals this year with the purple flowers from the wisterias in the courtyards also beginning to appear within the past week.

Hidcote book unveiled

2009-04-21T09:10:00.003+01:00

If you're passionate about Hidcote, mark Friday 3 July in your diary. The renowned international garden writer Ethne Clarke will be launching her newly revised book 'Hidcote - The Making of a Garden' here on the Theatre Lawn.

Since the book was first published in 1989, Ethne has been busy delving deeper into Hidcote's history. The newly revised edition sheds more light on the garden as well as revealing more information about Johnston's other garden, Serre de la Madone in the South of France.

Join Ethne and Glyn at either 2pm or 4pm on the 3rd for a fascinating introduction to the new publication - followed by an exclusive book signing. A day not to be missed.

Gardeners get creative

2009-04-19T15:39:00.002+01:00

It's not everyday that our garden team get the chance to show off their artistic talents, but visitors were been amazed when the new hazel supports were positioned along the Rose Walk. The supports, designed for the sweet pea displays later in the year. were painstakingly woven by gardeners Gordon, Eric and Sarah. A surprised Eric remarked "They do look really good!"

Blooming bulbs

2009-04-15T11:42:00.003+01:00

As if by magic, the thousands of Narcissus in the Pillar Garden have sprung into life. The flowers are looking fantastic as it quickly becomes one of the most talked about areas amongst visitors.

Not to be left behind, the 14,000 tulip bulbs that were planted last autmn are also beginning to burst into colour. It is my favorite time in the garden as everything seems to happen all at once.

Lovely Limes

2009-04-15T11:19:00.004+01:00

The garden team had to use all of their muscles last week when four very large European Lime trees arrived ready for planting. The trees, measuring in at a whooping 25ft high and with a root ball weighing over one tonne, were purchased from a nursery near Tewkesbury to replace some that failed in previous years. The new trees won't look out of place in their new home along the Lime Avenue (also known as the visitor picnic area), as they are believed to be at least 15 years old complementing those already growing.

The photograph shows James, one of our Gardeners, making the final adjustments!

Who Needs An Easter Bonnet?.....

2009-04-08T16:23:00.014+01:00

Come to Hidcote and have an Easter Muffin instead!

Julie the Cake Baker has been working hard to produce some yummy Easter muffins for us all to enjoy this Easter weekend!

So make sure you don't miss out - visit the Barn Cafe or Garden Restaurant for an "Egg-cellent" Easter treat!

Yum!

No need to get lost

2009-04-07T16:16:00.005+01:00

It will soon be almost impossible to get lost at Hidcote. We've just taken delivery of 40 oak posts, each engraved with the name of one of the various garden 'rooms'. The posts, which will replace the aging and at times completely missing, numbered stakes, will be installed in the next few weeks.

The new posts have been designed to complement the garden map and will really help people to find their way around and avoid the perennial problem of visitors getting lost!

The installation of the new posts has been made possible by a very generous private donation.

Swallow spotted

2009-04-07T16:13:00.002+01:00

It must be nearly summer...John, our eagle-eyed Deputy Head Gardener, spotted the first swallow of the season in the garden yesterday!

Last chance to vote!

2009-04-07T05:30:00.003+01:00

Did you notice the poll on this blog?
(right side, down a bit)
There are only a few hours left to cast your vote- what's your favourite season at Hidcote?

Voting has been furious and it's rumoured that fist fights have broken out between plant sales and catering team members, but we'll just leave that as a rumour.

More seriously, this poll was the first one, and experimental. If you were too late and didn't get a chance to vote this time, you'll have another opportunity soon. We may use the polls to gauge views on projects and the future of Hidcote, so keep checking this blog for updates, and post your vote.

You can send suggestions for future polls by commenting on this post. (Click on Comments under this post for instructions).

Apples and pears

2009-04-06T14:21:00.002+01:00

It's all taking shape in the Kitchen Garden. The espalier frames which have been built by the talented blacksmith, Dave Broadbent are now in place and have had their protective coat of paint applied. Under the watchful eye of Sarah, our kitchen Gardener, the wires were attached and carefully tensioned, ready to support the new apple and pear trees.

Over the next month, 16 fruit trees will be planted. Each of which have been painstakingly grown by the garden team using graft wood taken from the original trees.

Garden gets green water

2009-04-06T11:01:00.004+01:00

Our long awaited rainwater harvesting system was successfully commissioned last week. With the completion of the project, it will now allow the garden team to irrigate the thousands of plants using water that has been collected from our spring supply as well as that that has fallen as rain. We can now store a whooping 35,000 gallons of water, which will keep the garden watered for over a month if we don't have any rain at all this summer!

Weeds in the Kitchen Garden?

2009-04-04T12:27:00.004+01:00

Hurrah - the access restrictions surrounding the Kitchen Garden were removed this morning, allowing visitors for the first time to get up close and personal with the new plots! However, all is not as it seems....

Although the first crops are starting to appear above the soil, there are areas that look as though they are being taken over by a blanket of green weed . Panic not. This is actually mustard that has been specifically planted to act as a 'green' manure and weed suppressant. The mustard will be ploughed in later in the year to help fertilise the soil and improve its structure, therefore eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers.

Volunteers lend a helping hand

2009-04-04T12:11:00.003+01:00

On Thursday an enthusiastic group of employees from the catering company 3663 worked alongside members of our gardening team to help with the continued rejuvenation of the Wilderness. During their team building day, the group prepared the tilth and afterwards sowed a special Cotswold seed mix to create a wildflower haven amongst the grass sward. The fruits of their labour won't be seen for another few seasons, but we hope that it will become an important habitat for insects and birds in years to come.

The garden unwrapped

2009-04-01T15:14:00.003+01:00

What a week it's been for the garden team. Now that spring is most definitely here, the winter wrappings are coming off.

The tree ferns in the Fern Dell had their first view of the spring sunshine today as the Hessian was finally removed from their tops. Earlier this week, the bubble wrap that had carefully protected the coping stones around the Bathing Pool was painstakingly folded away (ready for next winter!). Bubble wrap has become a close ally to the garden team who spend hours smothering fragile stone objects from the harsh winter frosts.

To top off this weeks' spring preparations, the iconic cordylines have been re-positioned in the Red Border. All ready to complement the magnificent display of spring tulips.

Celebrity Gardeners at Hidcote

2009-03-31T12:32:00.004+01:00

Today we have received some exciting news. Three celebrity gardeners, Roy Lancaster, Sir Roddy Llewellyn and Diarmuid Gavin are kindly donating their time to help us with fundraising for the rejuvenation of the garden. They have each very kindly offered to host walk and talk evenings around the garden later this summer.

Roy Lancaster will be here on 23 June and Sir Roddy Llewellyn on both 9 and 14 July. A date for Diarmuid Gavin is to be confirmed. If you would like to join one of these celebrities for drinks and canapes followed by a walk around our lovely garden please contact ann.wood@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone 01386 438333.

All we need now is some wonderful warm, sunny evenings!

The Italian Job

2009-03-30T12:42:00.006+01:00

We've just started a really exciting rejuvenation project in our Italian House. We have lots planned for the coming few months (including the return of the landscape mural on the wall), but to kick start the whole project the garden team have been busy with some re-plantings.

To give the whole area an uplift the fern Woodwardia unigemmata has been planted, along with the sweet little daisy-like flowers of Rhodanthemum hosmariense. Kate has also planted the red flowering Clianthus puniceus, or otherwise known as the Lobster Claw Climber.

The picture shows what has been done so far...

Toodle Pip Emily!

2009-03-29T08:41:00.005+01:00

Hidcote bids a fond fairwell to Emily...

On Monday we said fairwell to one of our volunteers. Emily had been with us since the new year and has been working on our exciting tennis court project. She also created this blog for us!

Thank you so much for all your work.

Bon Voyage Emily.

Mothers Day, A Bloomin' Success

2009-03-22T18:12:00.007Z

Another buzzing day passes us all by in the Catering Department.

Mother's day has arrived yet again and we were all prepared for a busy day.

The sun was beaming bright on us all day and the pork was happily roasting away in the oven. We started with a relatively quiet morning in the restaurant giving us plenty of time to prepare for what we knew was going to be a busy lunchtime.

It was busy! Very busy!

It was so nice to see so many people enjoying their day out. It was especially good to see lots of people taking their Mum's out for the day and treating them to lunch.

Spring has sprung

2009-03-21T11:07:00.003Z

It's official. Spring has finally arrived. The first Chiffchaff of the year was heard singing away in the Orchard on Wednesday and the pink magnolia in the Stream Garden is now in full bloom. Although there aren't quite as many flowers as in previous years, the pink clouds always come as a welcome relief after the long winter.

Visitors earlier in the week were able to watch as the East Court Garden was transformed in front of them as 800 violas were carefully planted. It will take another few weeks for the 'antique shade' variety to be in full flower, but some are already taking advantage of the glorious spring weather we're currently having.

Plotting for success

2009-03-17T13:29:00.003Z

Today marked a truly significant day in our history. Sarah, our Kitchen Gardener planted the first seeds in our newly developing Kitchen Garden. The planting of the Garlic 'Wight Cristo' seeds was officially marked by the obligatory eating of cake and drinking of freshly brewed filtered coffee.

To help visitors find out more about what Sarah's planning in the Kitchen Garden we're busy recruiting a team of volunteer Interpreters and Guides. With the help of volunteers, the area will really be brought to life. They will also be encouraging people to set up their own plot and giving helpful hints and tints for a successful harvest.

As we're always keen to complement the garden, our Plant Sales Centre have just taken delivery of a great range of gardening equipment and accessories so there really is no excuse not to grow your own!

First day nerves

2009-03-15T08:52:00.005Z

Well the first day of our main open season went without any major hiccups - which came as a huge relief.

Things in the garden are a little later than usual this year. The magnificent pink flowering magnolias which are normally in full bloom by now haven't yet flowered. We're all waiting in anticipation and hopeful that the spell of beautiful spring weather will encourage them on.

Some of our fruit trees in the Orchard received a hair cut yesterday when the RHS organised for their regular prune. The training day was a great success with the apple trees now feeling much better and well prepared for their late summer harvest.

The thousands of tulip bulbs planted last year have just started to peep above the soil so we've all got our fingers crossed for a magnificent display later in April.

One decade on and still going strong......

2009-03-11T16:13:00.008Z

Today was a very special day for the catering department, it marks 10 years of service to the National Trust by our Chef.

Sarah, fondly known as ‘Splat’ has been a part of the team at Hidcote for more than 10 years but has been on a full time contract for one whole decade, (that’s more than half my whole life!).

In true catering department style we decided we couldn’t let the moment pass without a little staff gathering to celebrate, of course it was to be a surprise which meant trickery and deceit...Wonderful!

In order not to arouse any suspicion we asked Splat to arrange some nibbles and Patricia (Property Catering Manager) prepared a short speech and purchased the bubbly!
Splat was suitably surprised and everybody had a lovely little time!

Thanks for all your hard work Splat, long may it continue!

As long as you’re looking good!

2009-03-11T15:57:00.007Z

A facelift in true Hidcote style has taken place in The Garden Restaurant.

During the winter we decided that a little facelift was in order so Splat (our chef a.k.a Sarah) and I set to work!

Job one called for a lick of paint so we set to work with our rollers and brushes with a little help (actually quite a lot) from our trusty volunteer Chris and his friend we were finished in no time at all.

Job two called for special expertise and we had just the right person in mind! Plant centre supervisor and expert in all things arty Nicky was just the person to call upon for some advice and a helping hand, she was more than pleased to help. A little bit of sanding and a few coats of Antique white later we had a transformed dumb waiter. Beautiful!

Were getting there now, just need a few finishing touches, a few items from the Plant Centre, a beautifully dressed windowsill (thanks Janet) and some of Christine’s stunning original paintings of Hidcote (well worth a look) and as they say “that’s a wrap”

Isn’t it great what happens when we all work together!

Facelift Done!

Today's deal: 4 seasons in 1 day

2009-03-08T15:39:00.008Z

My favourite thing at the moment is listening to the woodpeckers tapping away at the big trees on the driveway.

This morning when I went out the sun was shining and the wind from last night had calmed to a gentle breeze, so I thought the forecast might be wrong again. Hail was forecast a few times this week, but didn't appear until about 2pm today, after a flash of lightning and rumble of thunder. It hailed for about 2 minutes, then snowed for about 5 minutes, and is now back to blue skies.

new hairstyle?

2009-03-02T10:27:00.004Z

In recent weeks the Barn roof has been rethatched, it looks like a new hairdo, the under-cut style that was fashionable for a couple of years when I was at school.

There were plenty of people sitting in the sun having coffee on the weekend, and small iris reticulata were selling quickly. More about iris reticulata.

...like walking on a beach.

2009-03-02T10:22:00.000Z

First impressions from Ros when she came to Hidcote today, walking across the newly re-surfaced courtyard and carpark, done just last week in time for the opening. It is some sort of pea gravel, but I don't know anything more. It seems quite deep and very lightly coloured, but I wonder how long it will last with hundreds of visitors coming and going every week?

Are headache trees a health and safety risk?

2009-02-28T14:50:00.000Z

Last week the gardeners were chipping the headache tree, but does it cure headaches or cause them?

the garden is just waking up...

2009-02-28T14:39:00.001Z

Today is the Hidcote's first open day of 2009, and it was nice to see people here early, ready to be the first visitors. The weather is mild and overcast, and the birds are busy making noises to wake up the garden.

Lisa was at work early this morning, making sure all the signs were out to show we're open, and answering phone calls from people who were checking the opening times. Pretty little flowers in pots are popular in the plant sales centre, and soup has been the order of the day in the restaurant, which is sending out lots of tempting smells. Glyn is taking a gardening group on a tour of the garden this afternoon, I wonder if they'll ask him lots of questions?

It's hard to believe that only a few weeks ago it was all covered in thick snow.