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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07 September 2026

New Look for the Greenhouse Terrace.


 


A new experimental project!  This border proved far to dry for dahlias - the original reason for its design.  We struggled on for a few years then moved all the Dahlias.  For the last 3 years or so, I filled it with wallflowers in the spring and Pelargoniums in summer.  This year, I decided to make life easier!  I bought some tiny Hidcote Lavender seedlings (reduced to £5.99 for 24 in Dobies sale!) and grew them on.  I kept them trimmed to ensure compact and bushy plants. 


Our long hot drought meant conditions were too hostile for planting until now.  Yes, the spacing is tight but I don't want them to grow very high as I want a particularly low dense mini hedge.  The soil in this border is perfect for Lavender - poor, very well drained and is hit by the full sun.  I'm a big believer in early autumn planting as the soil is still warm allowing plants to establish quickly. Hopefully, they will thrive and spill over the the south facing stonework.

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