I was thinking the other day just how yellow my autumn has been. I say ‘my’ autumn because it has been strongly influenced by the plants in this garden.
The best yellow has been from our field maples, which turned the most lovely buttery yellow just before the leaves fell. We planted a whole load all around the garden and have allowed quite a few to grow into good sized trees which being bigger makes them shine out more. Our hornbeam hedges have turned the most unexpected yellow this year, making a real difference to the amount of light in the garden. We planted them over 28 years ago and because of the hot, dry conditions this year it has intensified the sugars in the leaves and so the intensity of colour, but I know that they will turn their coffee-brown in a few weeks.
Work on our new footbridge is progressing well. It’s a huge project. Scaffolding has been erected which quite frankly looks as if we’re building the Forth Bridge. The galvanised steel joists have been put in place – a huge and exciting operation which involved a 20 ton crane to lift the supporting steel into place. We all gathered to watch this piece of Columbine history and I’m happy to say all went smoothly and was all completed within an hour. Next stage is to fit the oak railings which are being handcrafted as I type. Exciting!
For most of the year ivy is much maligned. However, over the coming weeks it will be given some of the respect it deserves as part of our festive decorations of green indoors and wreaths hanging on our front doors.
I like ivy and every gardener should nurture it. It provides welcome green at a time of year when nothing else is really giving any kind of display. Most importantly it provides winter cover for birds and insects. It flowers very late in the year so is one of the most important sources of nectar for insects – so be like us here at Columbine – deck your hall this Christmas with swags of ivy but also learn to love it in your garden.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.
Kate Elliott came to Columbine Hall in 1997 when she was sixteen. She is now head gardener but also helps with managing the property generally and in conducting guided tours.