Feeling the Heat!
What a record-breaking Summer we’ve had at Carey Secret Garden!
Ironically, I’m writing these notes in the midst of a torrential downpour! What an astonishing
summer it’s been!
Here at Carey, we are lucky enough to have our own water supply in the form of a diverted
watercourse off the River Piddle, known as ‘North Stream’.
This was excavated in the late 1800s to supply water to the garden of Carey House and also to the walled
garden. However, due to the prolonged period of very hot, dry weather, even this supply dried up totally
from mid-August, leaving us really struggling to irrigate certain plants.
The fact that some of the garden was substantially mulched in the early spring doubtless saved many
of the trees and other plants we have. However, I feel the principal reason we have come through
what has been the driest period in this area since 1976 relatively unscathed is simply down to the
types of plants we grow here at Carey.
Most are drought tolerant, aromatic plants such as lavenders, salvias, scented pelargoniums and
herbs, including a wide variety of rosemary, thyme, savory, oregano and culinary sage. Whilst a few
species from each of the groups of plants have struggled in the extreme conditions, the vast majority
have fared well. The real stars in the garden that have thrived in these Mediterranean like conditions
are the Peach, Almond and Nectarine trees, which have produced multiple fruits. I am also very
proud, that after many years of trying, I have finally managed to get several varieties of our ginger
lilies to bloom, which are quite magnificent!
A ginger lily - “it’s taken me 40 years to get one of these to flower!” Paul
Climate change is becoming more evident year by year. We are clearly going to have to adapt our
thinking when we are choosing what plants to add to the garden. If you would like to find out more
about the types of plants that will thrive on free draining, sandy soil, and would like to work towards
future proofing your garden to survive the changing climate, then I am available for a FREE tour and
informal chat every Friday (meet me just outside the cafe at 10.45am).
I am happy to advise you on plants for your own gardens and answer any questions you may have
regarding your own secret garden.
Hope to see you soon.
Paul Scriven
Head Gardener
