St Marys Pleasance Garden Planting Reports
Summer – Autumn 2023 Report
The garden has a new gardener, Vincent Docherty arrived in late Spring and settled in well to the routine of managing the established areas as well as welcoming the regular and new visitors to the garden.
In May the garden participated in the national campaign “No Mow May” where the main lawn was allowed to grow for a month. By doing this we were providing much needed nectar to pollinators. Small wildflowers appeared in the lawn along with some interesting grasses. This coincided with very hot weather and meant the grass did not grow as long as expected. The cooperation from East Lothian Council who cut the grass was much appreciated, particularly when they had to use a different machine for the cut in June.
Due to the hot temperatures in May and June the garden enjoyed more colour with the Peonies, Nepeta and Roses flowering earlier than usual. The Laburnum Allee racemes of flowers appeared slightly later and were plentiful attracting many visitors and social media attention.
An old slate trough which was found in a corner of the shed has been installed next to the path leading to the Nungate entrance. The trough which has been planted with Nepeta and Dianthus, sits beside a new memorial bench funded by the Higgin family in memory of Sam Higgin.
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The Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail theme for this year was ‘Year of Stories’ and what better story to tell than the Haddington Garden Trust 50th Anniversary. The wheelbarrow was full of golden flowers and foliage to celebrate with 2nd prize awarded in the organisation category.
The garden continues to attract individuals, groups, schools, nurseries and photographic opportunities for weddings and special occasions. In September the Health and Wellbeing programme at East Lothian Council organised to bring along a group to the garden and enjoyed a tour. It is planned to repeat this in the Spring when the garden will look very different than it did in the Autumn.
Following an extremely warm and dry Summer a more efficient watering system will be required for the future and this will be researched over the Winter.
After a few years absence due to Covid the St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair is taking place on November the 19th . This is a small awareness and fundraising opportunity for the Pleasance Garden which is always well attended. Any ideas and offers of help will be very much appreciated.
The Orchard
Following a significant pruning in 2021 the fruit trees yield of Apple, Damson and Plum this year has improved. The Filberts, Cobs and Quince will be pruned in the Winter. There is an increase in Wildflowers generally within the meadow. However, the second area to be seeded in Spring 22 which was not dug over but instead scarified has been less successful, but will hopefully flower in 2023. It is planned to sow further Yellow Rattle in December and instead of sowing Wildflowers in Spring, leave this until Autumn 2023 to help improve the success rate. We will consider planting native Wildflower plants in the Spring to assist self-seeding and colonising areas within the orchard. It is planned to cut circles round the base of a few trees as an experiment to see if this improves the health and appearance of the area.
The Haddington Camera Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary by planting a new Victoria Plum tree a few feet away from the existing tree which is ageing and would need replacing in the next few years.
The North border next to the Mount has been re-edged to give more definition and appreciate the Lily of the Valley when in flower. We look forward to seeing the new Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ when it appears next Spring.
Hamilton Border
The new planting of Aquilegia, Astrantia, Chelone, and Dryopteris has already shown us a taste of what we have to look forward to in the future. Climbing roses have been ordered and will be planted bare rooted in the next couple of months. A request was made by someone who enjoys visiting the garden for one of the roses to be planted in memory of a family member with a donation to purchase the rose to be given.
Laburnum
Racemes this year were plentiful and it is thought that the weather and temperatures in Spring were perhaps responsible for the size of the flowers. The gardener has suggested that the west end of the arch may benefit from being tied afresh to the metal framework as it was noticed some of the racemes were displayed above the ceiling of the archway. After the pruning by East Lothian Council in November, it will be beneficial for a general tidy up of the branches along the length of the archway before Winter sets in.
The Mount
There is some damage due to the Badger taking up residence last Winter and in the Spring. Some of the box is losing colour and will need to be monitored. Overall the shape of the Mount this year has been wonderful with many compliments received which is due to the careful pruning it received by the gardener.
New fencing at the top of the Mount will need to be considered soon along with new supporting posts.
Apple House Border
We are enjoying Autumn colour in this area due to the new Asters being planted earlier in the year.
Rose Border
The new roses planted last year produced a number of blooms but unfortunately two of the older bushes succumbed to the Winter last year and will need replacing. Support wires require fixing to the wall in certain areas (possible Winter task).
Suggestions for next year are to introduce 3 tall iron obelisks to create interest and introduce Autumn colour with Sternbergia Lutea (Autumn/Winter Daffodil).
Cottage Garden
The ‘hazel wigwams’ this year were supports for the heritage sweet peas which had been sown from seed before planting. There has been a continuous harvest of rhubarb which was picked and contributed to the Apple House produce. Weather and climate conditions this year has meant that the rose arch and surrounding hedge required more pruning than usual.
Suggestion of introducing more heritage cottage garden plants next year, for example Delphinium and Hollyhock.
Sunken Garden
Due to the hot and dry conditions this area has been difficult to maintain and it is planned to organise professional assistance to assist with weeding, cutting back and mulching for the Winter. A decision will be taken in early Spring whether to remove and replace some of the Lavender as there are now a few ‘woody’ areas.
Report for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023
Various plantings have taken place in late Autumn and early Winter. In the north facing border next to The Mount, 180 Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ were planted to create Spring interest. A cultivated variety which is fragrant, suited to shade and later flowering was introduced to Europe at the time of the Crusades. A replacement Sorbus Torminalis (Wild Service Tree) was sourced and planted. This tree is in commemoration of the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
A Victoria Plum tree was planted in the Orchard to celebrate 70 years of Haddington Camera Club. The tree has been sited next to the existing Victoria Plum which still produces fruit but would need replacing in the next few years.
Three Alba Maxima bare rooted Roses have been planted in the Hamilton Border. One of the Roses was funded by Michael and Beverley Pawley who were present at the planting and requested that the following message was included in the next report:
‘A rose named Alba Maxima was planted at St Mary’s Pleasance Garden on Sunday 4th December 2022 and was sponsored by Beverley and Christopher in memory of their late beloved parents, Ronald and Kathleen’.
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Garden Area Reports
Two additional areas of the Orchard were prepared for the sowing of more Yellow Rattle seed in December. This continues the efforts to increase the wildflower numbers within the Orchard. Both of these areas will be returned to in Autumn 2023 where wildflower seeds will be sown for a display in late Spring early Summer the following year. This marks a change in the timetable as results were monitored over the past two Summers in what is a four year experiment.
To promote and raise funds for the garden we were able to be present at the St Mary’s Parish Church, Martinmas Fair event in November.
We were delighted to again support the St Columba’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ annual fundraising event. Many people attended the tree lighting ceremony on the lawn in early December with the tree remaining lit until the first week of January.
The garden will again participate in the Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail event with our decorative wheelbarrow sited at the entrance. The theme for this year is ‘Health and Wellbeing’.
The Orchard
Following an improved yield from the fruit trees, pruning of all apple varieties was undertaken in the Autumn with the hope of increasing this year’s yield.Eight of the climbing roses around the periphery of the Orchard were thinned, trained, reduced and tied in. In the past couple of years these roses have produced very little flowers and it is hoped this pruning will assist in rectifying this.
The Hazel trees are in good condition with a future supply of Hazel poles to be utilised elsewhere in the garden.
A ‘tree trunk bird bath has been sculpted and oiled with linseed. This will be placed somewhere in the Orchard. The cover of trees will help birds who visit and nest in the garden to feel safe and take advantage of this natural feature.
Survey reports are awaited for the section of wall needing repair within the Orchard. It is hoped that work will begin sometime this year.
The Mount, Raised Vegetable Beds and Compost AreaA Buxus feed will be applied to the Mount in April.
The raised vegetable beds are to be topped-up with a mixture of topsoil and compost. Leaf mould from the composters can also be added this year before planting commences. Heritage potato choices for this year are – Dunbar Rover, Pentland Javelin and Shetland Black. Beans, Carrots, Beetroot and Brassicas will fill the other two beds.
A large loose pile of leaf collected from the garden in the Autumn has been constructed behind the Mount. This will need to be turned soon to assist with the composting process.
Raised Herb Beds
This area of the garden will benefit from some renewal as some herbs have overgrown and others are no longer visible. The original plans for the beds will be followed when reinstating some of the herbs.
The climbing plants behind the raised beds were pruned early Winter and in good health.
Lawn and Specimen Trees
The Hornbeam allee was cut in late Autumn and is looking healthy with promising signs of new growth.
It is planned to participate in the annual campaign ‘No Mow May’ to benefit wildlife and pollinators in the garden. By not mowing the grass, small plants such as daisies, clover, dandelions and selfheal are allowed to develop and flower providing a much needed space for nature.
PathwaysWith the use of garden grit over the Winter, the condition of the paths have greatly improved reducing the need for chemical weedkiller. Hand weeding is still required in some areas. The garden grit is beneficial on the paths when the conditions are icy or wet and the flagstones become extremely slippery.
Wiring on the Walls to Support Climbers
Wiring was checked on all of the walls. A layout sketch of the garden was compiled highlighting where repairs and new wiring are required.
Laburnum Allee
Visitors to the garden in February enjoyed a wonderful display of Aconites along the base of the allee.
Over the past 4 years the Laburnum has been pruned mechanically as opposed to the time consuming pleaching used previously.
Flowering last year towards the west end of the allee was not as good and some of the established branches are held above the framework making it difficult for the flowers to appear on the inside.
This year consideration will be made to reinstate pleaching which should help with shaping and protect against bare areas establishing. A potash feed has recently been applied to the base.
Sunken Garden
A large amount of creeping buttercup has been removed from the Lavender beds. It is looking increasingly likely that the Lavender will have to be replaced next year as all plants are looking ‘woody’ with little leaf.
Buxus feed to be added to the hedging in April.
Topiary Border
The condition of the Yew is much improved with bronzing in the foliage decreasing. General granular feed has been used over the growing season which has contributed to the health of the trees. Decision to be made about replacing the two Yew which were removed. Peony shoots in the bed are protected with short branches and also act as a support for when they are flowering.
Rose Border - Pruning took place over the dormant season. Two older shrubs may need replacing.
Cottage Garden - Sweetpea ‘Cupani’ seeds have been sown in cardboard root trainers. When ready they will be planted and trained on the Hazel wigwams in the centre of the two main beds.
Researching Hollyhocks as a potential heritage cottage garden plant to use in the borders.
Summer – Autumn 2022 Report
After having a long dry Summer the garden seems to have entered Autumn very quickly and already plans are underway for the St Columba’s Hospice annual ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree to feature once again in early December.
The Apple House has been open during the Summer with produce from the fruit trees and the new raised beds available for small donations. This has proved to be popular with regular visitors coming into the garden to enjoy the various fruit and vegetable offerings.
It is hoped that the restoration of the wall which was damaged in November 2021 will be assessed and completed sometime next year. There will be a significant amount of work involved after the repair, to restore the orchard and meadow area affected by the rebuild.
The Sorbus Torminalis (Wild Service Tree) which was planted last year to commemorate Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh unfortunately didn’t produce leaf in the Spring and had to be removed. A bare rooted replacement is to be sought and planted before the Winter.
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The Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail theme for this year was ‘Year of Stories’ and what better story to tell than the Haddington Garden Trust 50th Anniversary. The wheelbarrow was full of golden flowers and foliage to celebrate with 2nd prize awarded in the organisation category.
The garden continues to attract individuals, groups, schools, nurseries and photographic opportunities for weddings and special occasions. In September the Health and Wellbeing programme at East Lothian Council organised to bring along a group to the garden and enjoyed a tour. It is planned to repeat this in the Spring when the garden will look very different than it did in the Autumn.
Following an extremely warm and dry Summer a more efficient watering system will be required for the future and this will be researched over the Winter.
After a few years absence due to Covid the St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair is taking place on November the 19th . This is a small awareness and fundraising opportunity for the Pleasance Garden which is always well attended. Any ideas and offers of help will be very much appreciated.
The Orchard
Following a significant pruning in 2021 the fruit trees yield of Apple, Damson and Plum this year has improved. The Filberts, Cobs and Quince will be pruned in the Winter. There is an increase in Wildflowers generally within the meadow. However, the second area to be seeded in Spring 22 which was not dug over but instead scarified has been less successful, but will hopefully flower in 2023. It is planned to sow further Yellow Rattle in December and instead of sowing Wildflowers in Spring, leave this until Autumn 2023 to help improve the success rate. We will consider planting native Wildflower plants in the Spring to assist self-seeding and colonising areas within the orchard. It is planned to cut circles round the base of a few trees as an experiment to see if this improves the health and appearance of the area.
The Haddington Camera Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary by planting a new Victoria Plum tree a few feet away from the existing tree which is ageing and would need replacing in the next few years.
The North border next to the Mount has been re-edged to give more definition and appreciate the Lily of the Valley when in flower. We look forward to seeing the new Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ when it appears next Spring.
Hamilton Border
The new planting of Aquilegia, Astrantia, Chelone, and Dryopteris has already shown us a taste of what we have to look forward to in the future. Climbing roses have been ordered and will be planted bare rooted in the next couple of months. A request was made by someone who enjoys visiting the garden for one of the roses to be planted in memory of a family member with a donation to purchase the rose to be given.
Laburnum
Racemes this year were plentiful and it is thought that the weather and temperatures in Spring were perhaps responsible for the size of the flowers. The gardener has suggested that the west end of the arch may benefit from being tied afresh to the metal framework as it was noticed some of the racemes were displayed above the ceiling of the archway. After the pruning by East Lothian Council in November, it will be beneficial for a general tidy up of the branches along the length of the archway before Winter sets in.
The Mount
There is some damage due to the Badger taking up residence last Winter and in the Spring. Some of the box is losing colour and will need to be monitored. Overall the shape of the Mount this year has been wonderful with many compliments received which is due to the careful pruning it received by the gardener.
New fencing at the top of the Mount will need to be considered soon along with new supporting posts.
Apple House Border
We are enjoying Autumn colour in this area due to the new Asters being planted earlier in the year.
Rose Border
The new roses planted last year produced a number of blooms but unfortunately two of the older bushes succumbed to the Winter last year and will need replacing. Support wires require fixing to the wall in certain areas (possible Winter task).
Suggestions for next year are to introduce 3 tall iron obelisks to create interest and introduce Autumn colour with Sternbergia Lutea (Autumn/Winter Daffodil).
Cottage Garden
The ‘hazel wigwams’ this year were supports for the heritage sweet peas which had been sown from seed before planting. There has been a continuous harvest of rhubarb which was picked and contributed to the Apple House produce. Weather and climate conditions this year has meant that the rose arch and surrounding hedge required more pruning than usual.
Suggestion of introducing more heritage cottage garden plants next year, for example Delphinium and Hollyhock.
Sunken Garden
Due to the hot and dry conditions this area has been difficult to maintain and it is planned to organise professional assistance to assist with weeding, cutting back and mulching for the Winter. A decision will be taken in early Spring whether to remove and replace some of the Lavender as there are now a few ‘woody’ areas.
Report for Winter 2021 and Spring 2022
In Autumn last year, the signs were there that a Badger had taken up residence in the garden. It was hoped that it would have moved on to find an established sett before Winter, but seems to have made the garden its home for the time being. The gardener has been diligent in clearing its mess and repairing areas of the lawn which are affected on a daily basis.
In November, storm Arwen dealt a blow to the garden with a substantial area of wall coming down and forcing the necessity to secure and lock the Nungate entrance to the garden. After contacting ELC, heras fencing was quickly erected with the area in the orchard safely fenced off.
In early December, St Columba’s Hospice once again erected a Christmas tree in the garden for their annual “Light up a Life” charity. The opening ceremony was a very special occasion with music and many people coming along for the lighting of the tree.
Unusually for the garden, minor vandalism has occurred with the Apple House becoming a target. The honesty cash box was broken into and also 5 panes of glass smashed in the windows. A decision will need to be taken regarding access to the Apple House in the future.
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Garden Area Reports
The Orchard
•Introduction of new wildflower seed has progressed to a second section of the orchard. The ground was mown, prepared and scarified before sowing Yellow Rattle in December. Wildflower mix was then sown in February. The timing of the wildflower seed being sown is deliberately earlier in this Winter/Spring season to help establish growth. This years mix is particularly pollinator friendly, native plants intending to increase the diversity of flower within the orchard.
•In February three raised beds were constructed for growing heritage vegetables. Compost/top soil mix for the boxes will be ordered soon.
•Around 80% of the Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) has been removed from the Hamilton Border and replanted along each of the seven pathways within the orchard. The benefit of doing this will be seen next year in the Spring.
Lilac
•Circles have been cut from the grass surrounding the 3 lilacs to improve the appearance of the area as it welcomes visitors from the Church gate.
•As an experiment, the Agapanthus which were growing in the Hamilton Border have been replanted around each of the Lilac to create interest in Summer. Flowering may not happen this year but the benefit of moving the plants to a more open and sunny position will hopefully encourage flowering next year.
Hamilton Border
•A new plan has been devised for the longest border in the garden with the intention to create seasonal interest. Planting includes a variation in foliage and additional climbers. Space to do this has been made possible by removing the Muscari and replanting it in the Orchard.
•Extensive research has been made to identify plants which fulfil 17th Century origins with:
- Aquilegia Canadensis
- Astrantia Major Alba
- Chelone Glabra
- Dryopteris Filip Mas
- Dryopteris Expansa
- Dryopteris Affinis Cristata
- Oreopteris Limbosperma
- Rosa Alba Maxima
- Lonicera Sempervirens
•At the West point of the border a small area of turf has been removed to improve the appearance of the corner. Muscari has been used to fill this area with Dryopteris Expansa to follow soon.
Laburnum
•A high potash feed has been applied in February.
•Once the Aconite leaf is cut, the soil surrounding the Laburnum walkway will be aerated as it has become compacted.
Lawn and Specimen Trees
•Some areas of the lawn require treating for moss. A number of dandelion clumps have been removed and this along with the damage caused by the Badger over the past 5 months means that some reseeding will need to be carried out.
• It is intended to contact the ELC Tree Officer to inspect and advise on the maintenance and health of each specimen tree within the garden.
Sunken Garden and Topiary Bed
• Generally the Yew are in better health than this time last year. Feeding with Buxus feed and general fertiliser at specific times of the year have helped. However, the foliage in one of the Yew’s continues to be brown and lacks vigour. A decision on whether to remove this Yew will be taken soon.
• The Lavender in the Sunken Garden has become woody with a decrease in flowering last year. It will be assessed this year with potentially needing to remove and replace with new plants for next year.
• Some new Santolina plants may have to be purchased this year to fill in gaps.
• The box hedging has benefitted greatly from feeding with Buxus feed.
Rose Border
• After replacing a number of Roses last year the area is looking healthy and showing a good amount of new growth for this year. The Badger is keen on the Rose bed, however, with no obvious detriment.
• Climbing Roses have been thinned with older stems removed and looking better for doing this.
• Heritage sweet peas are growing in the shed with the intention to add three tepee supports to the Rose bed for them to climb and add height, fragrance and interest throughout the Summer.
Apple House Border
• Existing plans for late Summer colour with Aster and Echinacea remain in place.
• One of the three Bladder Senna did not survive the Winter and has been removed.
Cottage Garden
• After the success of adding vegetables to the Cottage Garden last year we will again use the Hazel cuttings to be used a structure for peas/beans. Potatoes this year will be grown in one of the new raised beds in the Orchard. Soft fruit is an option to be considered.
• Intention to add Hollyhock and Delphinium as traditional garden plants.
Players Garden
• The Iris which was removed and divided from the Cottage Garden last year and planted in the Players Garden should flower this year.
• The Laurus Nobilis (Bay) which succumbed to the Winter of 2020/21 has been removed as, unfortunately did not recover. Decision needs to be taken on whether to replace it or not.
• A young shoot of Alder Buckthorn was planted in late Autumn as part of the efforts to assist the Brimstone Butterfly to colonise North of their usual range.
The Mount
• This is an area which has suffered damage from the Badger activity. The lower Buxus has been trampled in places. If the Badger moves away from the garden we will take stock of any remedial measures required.
• Fencing around the top of the Mount requires new posts to support the fencing.
• Step levels have become compacted and need some attention.
Raised Herb Beds
• Three new Rosemary plants were added last year and growing well.
• The Passiflora (Passion Flower) which was feared lost from the previous Winter has managed to survive with new shoots appearing. A new plant has been added alongside the existing one. This featured in last year’s Summer wheelbarrow entry in the Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail event.
Compost
• All of the wooden bins are now in use composting a mix of brown and green waste. Mature compost will be added soon to the Topiary Border, Sunken Garden and Cottage Garden.
• Any turf which has been removed has been stacked alongside the compost bins producing future loam.
The HDCC (Haddington District Community Council) have expressed an interest in planting a tree for the Queens Green Canopy and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. As there is no space to do this on the lawn area, it has been suggested that a Victoria Plum is planted a few feet away from the existing Victoria Plum tree in the Orchard. As the tree is very old and producing little fruit it would need replacing in the next few years. The tree plan on the interpretation board for the Orchard would remain correct if a new tree was planted close to the old one. Awaiting a decision from the HDCC regarding this suggestion.