High on the list are rose pruning, training, and lifting tender plants like dahlias and salvias for overwintering, as well as harvesting crops like carrots, celeriac, and beetroot. Potatoes, typically stored for winter, were especially popular this year with both the family and visitors, so there’s none left to tuck away!
We’re cutting back and refining the borders in preparation for our annual bulb planting, which begins in mid-November and continues through to Christmas, weather permitting. With around 18,000 bulbs to plant—including new areas designated for spring blooms—we’re eagerly anticipating a vibrant display next season. This year, our student Christie is contributing her own touch to the bulb displays as part of her training, developing her style while staying true to Helmingham’s established aesthetic.
We’ll also be planting hardy annuals such as Agrostemma ‘Ocean Pearl’ and Delphinium requienii, expected to bloom by next June. Other varieties, like poppies, Orlaya, and Antirrhinums, will be planted in March once they’re more robust. Additional tasks include sowing sweet peas under cold glass, drying Amaranthus and Helichrysum, and introducing new trees and shrubs. Our new cold frames will be arriving soon, giving us even more flexibility for future growing.
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3 June 2025
Ed’s Incredible Marathon
Edward Tollemache took on the gruelling 250km Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for the pioneering Cambridge Children’s Hospital. We sat down with him to hear first-hand about the highs, lows and sheer endurance of his extraordinary challenge.
23 May 2025
May Garden Focus
This month has seen us getting on top of much of the “pre-opening” work, including – but not limited to – turfing.