The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

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20 May 2018

Project Pergola!

Weighing things up!
Standing tall!

For the past few Saturdays, we've been working on another garden project (no surprises there!)  We've been replacing the old pergola with some chestnut hop poles. The original 3"x3" pine was showing signs of rot and because they were shorter than is ideal, had also began to move and disturb the stones in the dry stone retaining wall. These hop poles are 9'x5" and are much deeper. Not only will the chestnut last MUCH longer but it also looks much more rustic. We even managed to cleave the braces and Chris very cleverly cut all sorts of difficult notches and angles which was super tricky on timber not square or straight! There was also an unauthorised photographer sneaking around the garden! Incidentally, we're standing on 'steppy-ups' which makes it look very low. In reality, we can walk beneath it!

Viewed from the top terrace.

Having cut down the Amandii clematis, I shall be much more strict with it in future. It will not be allowed it to scramble among the Wisteria again. Wisteria rules at PTC! 

Meanwhile, the other Chris was slaving away waging war on ivy and moving last year's compost from one bay to the other - both heavy and lumbering jobs. He finished off by cutting the Beech hedge before, we all called it a day and enjoyed well deserved drinks & dinner in the garden a l'Al!!

Viewed from the orchard

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