The garden here at Woodside is the former fruit garden of nearby Monteviot House (the gardens there are well worth a visit) and around 150 years ago would have been buzzing with busy gardeners tending greenhouse crops and fruit trees. The old apple trees down the centre of the walled garden are the only remains of the original fruit that grew here, but the garden still has much to offer.
The magnificent “Plum Border” near the cafe was designed and planted by Annie Neath, former owner of Woodside, and is a fantastic example of late summer colour and texture. The nearby Verbena Corner has recently been replanted after most of the Verbena bonariensis died off during the winter. It is now becoming more established, and the other plants around it are beginning to make an impact, although the drought conditions we had earlier this year has checked their growth (yes – it really was that dry!).
Elsewhere there are many plant treasures to be found, which keen plantspeople will be able to spot, although some of the borders are now in need of lifting, dividing and replanting. Our wonderful part-time gardener, Susan, does a great job keeping the weeds at bay, as well as producing all the lovely salad crops and vegetables that find their way into the cafe. However, she has been unable to make much of an impression on the Horse-tail that grows up in the top corner of the garden – we have has to treat that with chemicals, and it could be several years before we can do much with it. Eventually I would love to build a laburnam archway – but we’ll see how the Horse-tail does first!
Just round the corner from this is an overgrown border originally planted for attracting birds, but has been sadly neglected since. This border is set to become a new feature in the garden, and we will be shortly planting it up as a Stumpery, with ferns, hostas and other shade loving plants. If you would like to come along and help us create this new feature click here to find out how.
Other ideas for the garden include a “Butterfly Border” and a “Fragrant Border”, so please be patient with us whilst we develop these lovely gardens.
Share this page with a friend
