More visitors today! A group from nearby Whitbourne spent several hours in the garden this afternoon. They brought their own refreshments and sat out on the terrace. The weather, although cool and breezy, remained dry. Yours truly was working in the studio. More money raised for the National Garden Scheme - every little helps!!
'UP THE GARDEN PATH' by Pam Thompson
- Home
- THE CAST
- THE GARDEN
- GARDEN WILDLIFE
- 2005 - 2016 GREENHOUSE UPGRADES
- 2008 -THYME SQUARE
- 2012 - THE PEAR HUT
- 2006 - OIL TANK SCULPTURES
- 2005 - RABBITS OUT-FOXED
- 2006 - BOUNDARIES
- 2004 - AN OLD BUOY
- 2009 - CULVERT+SUMMERHOUSE
- 2005 - PUMP RESTORATION
- 2010 - LIVING WITH HENS!
- THE WORLD'S MOST RECYCLED GARDEN!
- 'UP THE GARDEN PATH' by Pam Thompson
- 2025 - GARDEN MAP
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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04 August 2020
13 July 2020
Garden Visitors on a Saturday!!
Alison & Merv Hardwell & friends |
Saturday was a mixed day in the garden! Firstly, a rush to ensure that all mowing and edging was done and then pruning the Philadelphus shrubs before garden visitors arrived and log splitting, lugging and stacking began. Logging is one of those nice 'squirrel' jobs as it's looking ahead and preparing for winter.
It all worked perfectly as while we were logging, the visitors wandered, explored and enjoyed picnics on the lawns in warm sunshine! I do have to say that it seemed a tad weird having visitors whilst working but I did warn them and they didn't seem to mind. As the logs were already sawn, there was no chainsawing noises to disturb visitors but just the gentle sound of an axe splitting wood! (Can axing even be described as gentle??!!)
We made money for the NGS and filled an entire bay with logs for winter - all thanks to Chris!! What a star he really is!
All ready for winter! |
07 July 2020
Preserving Produce!
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Blackcurrant 'conserve'. |
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Harvesting blackcurrants |
The cold, wet and windy weather has been ideal for jobs of a more culinary nature. Having picked our blackcurrants it's been jam making time and actually enjoying the warmth of the Aga. I can't believe I'm saying that in the middle of summer! The blackcurrant jam set well and has a lovely tangy flavour.
Chris arrived with some gooseberries so I made more jam with them. As it's too late for elderflowers, so I added some Attar of Roses Pelargonium leaves. It has a lovely clear colour but the seeds make it look like frogspawn! Because of the high fruit content it qualifies for conserve rather than jam!
Lids were made with with brown paper & jute twine and raffia - the only materials to hand but a suitably rustic finish.
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Better flavour than frogspawn! |
Summer Fruit Tree Pruning
Did I miss summer? Nothing but cold grey skies and damaging gusty winds. As for summer pruning fruit trees, it was more like late autumn. Not that weather hindered progress. Chris was out with the Niwaki steps skillfully wielding loppers. Before you knew it, both pear trees and our grafted apple had had haircuts and, as we had a bonfire on the go, we were able to burn all the prunings immediately.
Now THAT's efficient!
01 July 2020
The Return of Garden Visitors
Visitors explore the main lawn. |
One super smart Studio! |
Of course there had been much preparation as Simon had been very busy in the garden with his paint brushes. The Studio was looking super smart with its new red roof, newly glazed and leaded windows and beautifully painted window frames. Simon also transformed the swing seat roof, the Pear Hut and even the Herb Garden niche, fence and the barn.
They certainly enjoyed the handywork of both Chris's!! Chris Pugh's sculptures were a big hit and much commented upon. Another lady asked for the name of our builder as she liked Chris Genever's hard landscaping and paving so much!! Also very popular was the greenhouse and its new floor!! Let's hope this heralds the return of more visitors and more money raised for our caring charities!!
Our resident tour guide chats to visitors. |
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Self service ticketing & checkout systems! |
25 June 2020
Studio Make-Over: Phase II
Restyled windows in the door. |
The galvanised rainwater tank. |
We were most definitely NOT so clever when it came to installing the guttering!! It poured with rain both days. Water was running along the guttering and down the outlets as it was being installed!! We were soaked through - especially Chris who refused all water proofing! However, the end result is perfect. As well as finishing off the appearance of a little wooden shed, it's hugely practical for collecting rainwater.
Boxed in shelving disguise the horizontal downpipe & the newly leaded north window. |
It was time to turn our attention to the windows. The thin, loose glass rattled, the putty was falling out and the homemade mini portholes (constructed from glass held in by plastic tupperware lids) on the door was all falling to bits. It was impossible to any of the large panes of glass without breaking them so new glass was ordered. These were installed with putty and beading and we decided to paint the frames white and to use strips of lead and mimic the same glass patterning as in the Herb Garden mirror and stained glass window - thus maintaining a PTC garden theme. I should mention the addition of a rather nice & very useful little window sill. - courtesy of more of Chris Genever's patience and skills! Simon kindly agreed to paint that in with the window frames & just a top coat remains outstanding.
Having timed the first one seriously badly ie. just before making all the mess: all that remained was another major spring clean this time in 30 degrees + of tropical heat. Luckily Janine and I managed that before having lunch in the shade!!
Who loves their new look studio I wonder???
16 June 2020
Studio Facelift!
Cleverly dodging much needed rain, Simon has repainted the studio roof. We stuck with red oxide and its matt finish contrasts with the gloss of the black ridge piece. Probably 15 years has elapsed since I painted it. Back then, the sheet of corrugated iron were painted individually on trestles prior to being installed on the roof.
Having been given a fabulous 50 gallon galvanised tank, what I'd really love is to install some guttering to catch and drain rain water into my lovely new tank. Some people are never satisfied!!!
Oh, and yes. It has been spring cleaned inside!!
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