May and the Platinum Jubilee
This month has been all about memories – making new ones and reminiscing about old times! Around the morning coffee table, the team have been talking a lot about the late Dr Jimmy Smart, the creator of the gardens, recounting memories of the past (it has been twenty years since his death) and enjoying the great opportunity to discuss the future.
The statue of Dr Jimmy Smart stands proudly in the garden, overseeing the bog garden, his favourite part of the garden. As well as being picturesque, it is also a reminder of a close friend of some of our gardeners, who were lucky enough to work alongside him.
In preparation for the jubilee we had lots of bunting up and flags placed in plant pots. The garden was and is brimming with flowers and looking beautiful.
We have been busy promoting Marwood Hill Gardens and selling plants at RHS garden Rosemoor Plant Fair the first weekend off the month, which was well attended. Towards the end of the month you may have also noticed our attendance at the Ilfracombe Coastal Garden Festival. It was the first year this festival has been advertised and it was popular, with food stalls, crafts, plant nurseries from far and wide.
Finally, we have completed the month with the planting of the Mediterranean terrace (area of garden just below the tearoom). The display should be bright and colourful yellow, white, red and pink. Plants such as Echium, Euryops, Gazania, Osteospermum and Cistus. Big thanks to our volunteer team for working tirelessly to clear the area in preparation for planting and for all of their planting work!
