Seriously tidied

Another winter visit to Shugborough.

The vegetable garden is pristine. All the beds have been thoroughly prepared, neat and immaculate and ready for the careful planting. Ready for amazing runner beans, potatoes, onions and all the wonderful produce that brings back such memories. 

They’ve done lots of work stripping back the years of neglect in the second walled garden. They’re aiming to restore it, and there are signs and diagrams to keep us informed as they progress. 

The butterfly garden is tidied and stripped back. The statues of the naughty cherubs are wrapped against the frost.

My blip is of my favourite bench. It’s beautifully shaped, and looks like a skeleton at this stage of the year. There was no sign of the robin who usually sits posing for a photo. When the beautiful foliage has returned, it will shimmer again under a summer sky. 

It all goes to show that hard work is needed for the very best results in gardening.

My extra is of the fabulous play area. All the equipment is carved from natural materials. I think Seth would love it. I’ve sent him a photo - along with the shots of tractors and other serious farming stuff…..