Summer in the gardens at The Grain Store
Sam Porter-Hardy, our gardener in residence, talks to us about what has been going on in The Grain Store gardens this summer. Sam highlights some of the works that have been done and also gives a shout-out to some of the plants that make up our beautiful gardens!
Irrigation
After experiencing the hottest Summer on record and the driest year since 1976, watering recent planting became a vital task! In order to reduce our water usage and keep the plants in good health we installed drip-feed irrigation lines. Where appropriate we buried these under a layer of water-retentive organic mulch. These provide even watering directly to the root systems whilst reducing water usage.
Lawn Work
We have continued with our mission to improve the lawns at TGS to provide a practical natural area for kids to run around and adults to sunbathe. In order to keep the grass looking at it’s best, we cut, edge and water the grass at least once a week.
We also use organic feed to provide the nutrients needed to keep the lawn healthy. We do not use harsh herbicides on the lawn as the natural biodiversity is of great benefit to The Grain Store’s resident bees and insects.
Tree maintenance
During the course of summer, there is a lot we have to do to keep the trees healthy. One important factor that often gets neglected is keeping the base free of weeds. This reduces competition for water and nutrients, improving the growth rate by up to 100% over 3 years!
We use organic feeds every six weeks. The soil of the south downs is relatively nutrient poor chalk. Whilst the species we have selected are suitable for the soil and the exposed environment, the feeding of the hungrier species ensures that they receive all of their required nutrients during their first few growing seasons. This, alongside heavy infrequent watering, allows for the development of deeper, stronger root systems ensuring that they not only survive but thrive for years to come!
We had a small infestation of Social pear sawfly in the orchard. Instead of using harsh chemical treatments ,we simply jet washed them off the trees with the hose allowing the birds to eat them from the grass without risk of secondary poisoning.
Mulching around trees and hedges
We mulched around the bases of the trees and hedges around TGS using organic bark mulch. The mulch suppresses the weeds, reducing competition; retaining valuable moisture during hot periods, reducing the watering requirements and providing a slow-release fertiliser as it breaks down into the soil.
Building a chicken coop
The resident Grain Store chickens received a home upgrade with their new coop!
Compost
Gardening at The Grain Store generates a lot of green waste! This summer we built a compost area to up-cycle the waste into useful compost which will be used to top-dress existing and aid future planting.
Planting
When we are planting at The Grain Store we place great importance on giving the plants the best start to ensure that they not only survive but thrive. We plant with mycorrhizal fungi; designed to target different plant types for greater vigorous growth, successful replanting, development of better root systems and protection in drought conditions.
Here is some information on mycorrhizal fungi from the RHS.
‘Mycorrhizas are beneficial fungi growing in association with plant roots, and exist by taking sugars from plants ‘in exchange’ for moisture and to grow well, plants need a wide range of nutrients in various amounts, depending on the individual plant and its stage of growth. The three key plant nutrients usually derived from soil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, while carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are absorbed from the air. Other vital soil nutrients include magnesium, calcium and sulphur. Gardeners can add nutrients by applying fertilisers (either artificial or naturally derived) to boost plant growth and improve flowering and fruiting.nutrients gathered from the soil by the fungal strands. The mycorrhizas greatly increase the absorptive area of a plant, acting as extensions to the root system. Mycorrhizas also seem to confer protection against root diseases.’
Royal Horticultural Society
Highlights /Star Plants
Salvia nemorosa - Sensation Deep Blue
This bright upright Salvia has provided pops of colour which have entertained throughout the Summer. It can be found planted in the new semi-circle bed en route to the hot tub as well as the Studio garden and in the raised sleeper bed on the driveway.
Ulmas glabra Camperdownii
The weeping elms we planted last Autumn produced their iconic hop-like greenish flowers during the spring. Broad leaves emerged in summer covering the weeping crowns. They can be located in between the studio and main garden providing an unusual ornamental screening between the Grain Store and the Studio gardens.
Pyracantha
Primarily planted for its stunning autumn colour provided by berries, this wildlife-friendly shrub provides colour across the seasons, in spring to midsummer it produces creamy white flowers and dense green foliage. These can be located in the new semicircle bed by the hot tub, in the studio garden on the fence line and by the front gate as you enter The Grain Store.
Vitis vinifera
The extremely hot weather has been great for the grape vines! This particular specimen has been so successful that we decided to plant many more, trained along the fences surrounding the hot tub.
Eryngium bourgatii
The Eryngiums delivered this summer with their vibrant blue colour with deeply lobed leaves. They were not only popular with the guests but also a favourite with the local wildlife! They can be found throughout the long border of the Grain Store garden.
Prunus Cerasus
The newly planted orchard has been productive despite the tough growing conditions this year. The cherries were particularly photogenic!
Linaria
Sometimes known as Toadflax - Linaria is a small family of bushy upright annuals that produce terminal spikes of small snapdragon-like flowers, in a variety of colours, we have a beautiful purple one here in The Grain Store gardens
Stipa gigantea, Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ and Sanguisorba officinalis
In my opinion, these 3 species have provided one of the most successful planting combinations on site. The Stipa gigantea provides glistening golden oat-like flowerheads that arch high above much of the perennial underplanting. The Karl Foersters in contrast stand firmly upright whilst still swaying with the south downs’ breezes. Finally, the Sanguisorbas give little gems of colour at height; providing structural interest and movement.
Thank you Sam for sharing your summer progress with us, we look forward to your regular updates!
You can see more of Sam’s work here www.porterhardy.com
and on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/porterhardy.gardendesign
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Article by Sam Porter-Hardy & Pip de Villiers