Country life
Picture by Michael Dunkason
THE DORMANT SEASON
by Matt Noyce , Head Gardener at Quarr Abbey
The festive season is now upon us and the prospect of a new year is realised . It only seems like it was last week that we were still cropping vegetables and out regularly mowing the grass . The wintry weather may be closing in , but there ’ s still lots to do outside at Quarr .
We have made the usual seasonal shift of emphasis away from the more ornamental areas and vegetable plot onto the hedgerows , woodlands and paths of the estate and private enclosure . Much of this work is carried out in the ‘ dormant season ’, the time when most trees and shrubs go into a state of hibernation of sorts and active growth ceases until the sap starts rising again in the warmer and lighter weather of the spring . Many of our hedges are getting a good trim , well away from the bird nesting season and also bare-root trees are being planted . We are replanting in gaps along the walls of the walled garden with trained pear espaliers . I am currently applying a mycorrhizal fungi product when planting to improve the establishment of the plant ’ s root system . The borders are getting a good clear out by us removing the last of the fallen leaves and pruning any remaining finished foliage whilst trying to leave any seed heads that overwintering birds might enjoy . A quick weed also keeps the areas looking tidy .
In the vegetable plot , runners from fruiting canes have been lifted and then replanted to fill gaps in the existing fruit cages . Also , a mulch has been applied to fallow areas and many of the plants and fruit trees to give the weather time to break it down nicely into the soil over the next few months . The hanging baskets around the teashop are looking more vibrant now they have been replanted with cyclamen for their winter splash of colour . Log splitting has been underway for some time now and the demand has been high . We have a sustainable supply of hardwoods and softwoods from the estate to see us through the winter months and keep the season ’ s chills at bay . Recently , we were privileged to welcome HRH Earl of Wessex to Quarr Abbey . I was honoured to provide a tour of the walled garden to His Royal Highness as part of his visit which also included a service in the church and the many other aspects of Quarr .
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