The challenge this year has been to keep going on as normal a track as possible whatever the weather throws at us. We started our late spring-early summer season with our annual Spring Open Day on 10th May, joined by the Herb Society once again to provide their ever-popular garden tours. The weather was lovely – but that may have been a bit of a disadvantage, as people seem to have chosen to go further afield for the day.
We were particularly pleased that Sarah Russell, Congleton’s new Labour MP, came to the event. She spent some time taking an interest in the tours, and enjoying the plant and cake buying opportunities.
Numbers were down, but a good time was had by all, and we recruited a new volunteer – which makes it all worthwhile.
Another annual event was the Congleton Food and Drink Festival in June. This is a great opportunity to spread the word about the Bath House & Physic Garden and it aroused a lot of interest. We had an attractive selection of plants and herbs for sale, and sold almost everything, so it was a very good day.
Gardeners are always alert to the problems of both excessive rain and excessive heat, and the hot weather this year has made headline news. However, it seems to have suited our wildlife areas, and the meadow was full of colour: Purple Loosestrife, Cornflower, Poppy and Corn Marigold were abundant by July.
On a less cheerful note, during the same month we found considerable amounts of rot in the Badger Bench.
This unsightly slime is an indication of the precarious state of our bench, and we are very keen to repair it. We hope to be able to save the carvings at the ends, and create a new support for the seat.
This bright yellow patch bears the unfortunate common name of Dog Vomit Slime Mould. Slime moulds are harmless organisms that feed on rotting wood, and can also develop on wood chip and bark mulch, especially after periods of heavy rain. A slightly less revolting term for this one is Scrambled Egg Slime, or its Latin name Fuligo septica.
A warm sunny spring and a hot dry summer seem to have encouraged many flowering plants to bloom early. They flourished, and filled our gardens with colour, but many have also set seed early too.
It is a similar story with fruit trees. Many gardeners have commented that the fruit is not only early, but bountiful. Plums, cherries and apples have been in unusually plentiful supply, and our own Quince tree is another example of early fruiting.
Some experts are predicting that because of an expected La Niña event, it will be a particularly long and difficult winter. The worry is then that these early fruits and seeds will not last long enough to sustain wildlife.
Having completed the paving and the steps, Nick has started a new construction project: restoration of the old retaining wall.
There was a huge amount of vegetation and soil to shift, but Nick’s never daunted by the prospect of hard work!
At the end of August we hosted sessions for the Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival once again.
Performers included the Mad Hatters, the Loud Mouth Women, and The Boat Band.
There was also a Drumming Workshop by Drumroots.
The weather was good, and the many visitors enjoyed singing along, learning to drum, or simply relaxing and listening to a variety of good music in our lovely space.
As Summer turns into Autumn, our thoughts turn to the last date in our annual calendar, Heritage Open Days.
Our contribution to this national festival will be held on Saturday 20th September, and with both the Physic Garden and the Bath House on view, our brilliant team of volunteers is already in full preparation mode.
*There will be guided tours of our historic buildings throughout the day.
*A medical herbalist from the Herb Society will lead garden tours.
*Plants, refreshments and other items will be for sale.
Come and see us: a warm welcome awaits friends and visitors old and new!
