Author: Alison Johnson

  • Snowdrop Update

    The Ditch at 8am this morning (Jan 11th)

    We’re getting there!

    These photos were taken this morning, and as we step into our first Snowdrop Season as owners of East Lambrook Manor Garden, we’re just as excited as everyone else to see what’s emerging. The cold spell since Christmas has slowed things down nicely, so we’re on track for a wonderfully normal season.

    And it’s not just the snowdrops waking up. Hellebores are starting to show, Vinca is already flowering, and Winter Aconites are popping up through the grass. Daffodils are beginning to stir, and other bulbs are pushing through as the garden slowly shakes off winter.

    We’re now just over two weeks away from opening, and it’s full steam ahead here as we prepare for the big day. Rain and wind aside, the garden is definitely waking up — and the snowdrops are leading the charge.

    Winter Aconites
    G. Mrs. McNamara nestling in the Vinca
    G.Sickle on the rockery by the entry gate

    Joe Swift:

    Joe wrote a column in the Times this weekend and we were delighted to see him mention East Lambrook Manor. He said that he might be heading over here to have a look around and maybe buy a few plants for his collection. That of course would be great, but I am now getting asked “when Joe will be here?”. Well… He hasn’t bought his on-line ticket yet so if you visit every Wednesday through Sunday from 10am till 5pm through the whole of February you shouldn’t miss him! 🤯😁👍

    I should give you an update on Grumpy while I’m at it. We did have a limited number of bulbs available but they are already gone. 😒 We do however have a large selection of other varieties both to see and to buy. Many are also cool and unusual, just not with such a seasonally appropriate name.

  • Environmentally Friendly Wreath Making Class

    Last weekend saw a group meet in the Malthouse to make environmentally friendly Christmas Wreaths. The base hoops were made from brambles. The brambles had their thorns stripped and were woven together to make the basic shape. Then bracken fronds were packed around the bramble hoop and held in place with natural string. Finally, the creative bit. The lots of greenery from the garden was packed into place. The result was a bunch of gorgeous wreaths featuring seasonal holly and mistletoe and some more unusual variegated foliage and colourful highlights from the garden. This all took place with mince pies, tea and coffee on hand. A cozy wood stove provided warmth and Christmas carols played in the background. The finished wreaths last a long time but can always be refreshed with some fresh sprigs. No plastic or metal so at the end of the season the whole thing can go on the compost heap or into the garden waste bin.

    A festive time was had by all and plans are already afoot to expand the programme next year.

  • RHS Medal for Mark

    Meet East Lambrook Head Gardener, Mark Stainer. In September this year Mark completed 50 years working in East Lambrook Manor Garden, a tenure that covers ever owner since Margery Fish. Mark started work in the garden while he was still at school and joined full time in 1975 when he left school. He has worked with some of the great gardeners that were here with Mrs. Fish and mentored many who have come to the garden since then. Over the years he has gained an encyclopedic knowledge of the garden as well as a deep appreciation of the plants and overall design style. The RHS were delighted to recognize his contribution with the RHS long service medal (for 40 years) complete with the additional 50 year bar. Well done Mark!

  • Garden Clippings

    Welcome to “Garden Clippings”. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of maintaining a garden Like East Lambrook? Want to know what’s blooming in the borders? Perhaps some seasonal tips or just regular updates on what’s going on? You’re in the right place. We’ll post regular snippets right here. We hope you keep checking-in with us and get to know the real people and ideas behind this famous heritage garden.

    • Snowdrop Update

      The Ditch at 8am this morning (Jan 11th)

      We’re getting there!

      These photos were taken this morning, and as we step into our first Snowdrop Season as owners of East Lambrook Manor Garden, we’re just as excited as everyone else to see what’s emerging. The cold spell since Christmas has slowed things down nicely, so we’re on track for a wonderfully normal season.

      And it’s not just the snowdrops waking up. Hellebores are starting to show, Vinca is already flowering, and Winter Aconites are popping up through the grass. Daffodils are beginning to stir, and other bulbs are pushing through as the garden slowly shakes off winter.

      We’re now just over two weeks away from opening, and it’s full steam ahead here as we prepare for the big day. Rain and wind aside, the garden is definitely waking up — and the snowdrops are leading the charge.

      Winter Aconites
      G. Mrs. McNamara nestling in the Vinca
      G.Sickle on the rockery by the entry gate

      Joe Swift:

      Joe wrote a column in the Times this weekend and we were delighted to see him mention East Lambrook Manor. He said that he might be heading over here to have a look around and maybe buy a few plants for his collection. That of course would be great, but I am now getting asked “when Joe will be here?”. Well… He hasn’t bought his on-line ticket yet so if you visit every Wednesday through Sunday from 10am till 5pm through the whole of February you shouldn’t miss him! 🤯😁👍

      I should give you an update on Grumpy while I’m at it. We did have a limited number of bulbs available but they are already gone. 😒 We do however have a large selection of other varieties both to see and to buy. Many are also cool and unusual, just not with such a seasonally appropriate name.

    • Environmentally Friendly Wreath Making Class

      Last weekend saw a group meet in the Malthouse to make environmentally friendly Christmas Wreaths. The base hoops were made from brambles. The brambles had their thorns stripped and were woven together to make the basic shape. Then bracken fronds were packed around the bramble hoop and held in place with natural string. Finally, the creative bit. The lots of greenery from the garden was packed into place. The result was a bunch of gorgeous wreaths featuring seasonal holly and mistletoe and some more unusual variegated foliage and colourful highlights from the garden. This all took place with mince pies, tea and coffee on hand. A cozy wood stove provided warmth and Christmas carols played in the background. The finished wreaths last a long time but can always be refreshed with some fresh sprigs. No plastic or metal so at the end of the season the whole thing can go on the compost heap or into the garden waste bin.

      A festive time was had by all and plans are already afoot to expand the programme next year.

    • RHS Medal for Mark

      Meet East Lambrook Head Gardener, Mark Stainer. In September this year Mark completed 50 years working in East Lambrook Manor Garden, a tenure that covers ever owner since Margery Fish. Mark started work in the garden while he was still at school and joined full time in 1975 when he left school. He has worked with some of the great gardeners that were here with Mrs. Fish and mentored many who have come to the garden since then. Over the years he has gained an encyclopedic knowledge of the garden as well as a deep appreciation of the plants and overall design style. The RHS were delighted to recognize his contribution with the RHS long service medal (for 40 years) complete with the additional 50 year bar. Well done Mark!

    • Garden Clippings