Winter Estate Newsletter 07/08 Quite a moderate wintertime so far, alas no snow and only a couple of ground frosts, though December and January quite wet and windy, but February has brought some appreciated early spring like sunshine. There were no casualties of trees, shrubs etc. although a couple of branches here and there in the high winds. One major loss being the poly tunnel (the gardening department now having nowhere to hide from the wind, rain and cold!) which is now just a mere skeleton of its former glory.
During December work was completed on the fitting of a new organic septic tank system for the hotel, this has left an area in front of the croquet lawn which will be landscaped and a new path leading down to a new practice net area for the golfers out there (you know who you are!).
Major work has started on a new patio area about twice the size of the old one. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this operation. The patio will be completed in the coming weeks incorporating a new lighting system and all new flower beds which we think will be a major improvement offering better access and room within a beautiful setting. Yet again with this temperate winter some of our daffodils were out before Christmas and still flowering now.
Early February sunshine has brought out the snowdrops, crocus and early tulips. Lots of colour around in the gardens, reds and mauves of Rhododendrons and Camellias down the driveway dotted with the vibrant greens of Hellebores and Begonia Pinks. Our Polyanthus in the front Hotel bed is giving a rich mix of colour as well as the hanging baskets. Dotted around are the daisy bushes, Euryops Virgineas and Euryops pectinatus in full bloom and even our Clematis Montana (on Badger Cottage) has decided to flower and give us an early perfume. Down the valley again you can see all the Camellia’s in bloom as well as some Azaleas. Marsh Marigolds are flowering on the opposite banks of the ponds looking over the giant Gunnera Manicata. These have been cut down and covered giving a slightly pre-historic swamp look to the ponds this time of year. We have planted more oaks, Quercus petraea, in the woods after thinning out a few sycamores, hopefully in the future giving the Helford back its indigenous tree landscape. This is part of our on-going plan to take the woods back to their original landscape. We have planted over 3500 trees in recent years as part of this project.
The golf course is looking good as usual, no mean task after the last summer and winter downpours. New tee mats have been constructed which will ease the winter wear and tear for the future. On the 9th hole a large mound has appeared, this will be a new alternate tee and possible Helipad (look up before playing off this tee!).