Francis Keeting - Threave 2010/11

 Task Description: Before morning break I worked with Asia lifting Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff' tubers in the walled garden. The tubers are lifted and stored in the potting shed over the winter to prevent them rotting in the ground (see Fig. 2.8) - they do not tolerate cold, damp weather. We removed the stems of the dahlias first and then used a fork to gently lift them from the ground. We removed as much soil as we could from around them and disposed of any unhealthy looking tubers. Inside the potting shed the tubers were placed upside down on slatted shelving underneath the bench, this is to aid the drying out process. After a few weeks the tubers will be cleaned again, to help prevent rotting, and then placed the correct way up on the shelves. Through the winter they will be misted from time to time to prevent them desiccating.

I spent the rest of the day continuing the cutting of the Tsuga hedges in the walled garden. I also trimmed three shaped Taxus baccata trees growing there. I cut the tops of several of the hedges from specially erected scaffolding (see Fig. 2.5). Brian Mc set up the scaffolding as he is qualified to do so and he also had to be present when the scaffolding was moved to ensure this was done safely. Important points about the scaffolding:
The scaffolding is on castors to allow it to be moved easily, the castors have brakes that must be applied before the scaffolding is climbed.
• The outrigger poles should be at an angle of 45° when the scaffolding is in place to ensure maximum stability. These poles are lifted and moved in line with the scaffolding when it is being moved.
• Climbing the outside of the scaffolding is forbidden.
• Ensure the trapdoor in the scaffold platform is properly shut before starting work.
• Check platform is level (use a spirit level) before starting work.

I found using the scaffolding much more comfortable than using the ladder and it also felt much safer. There is room to move around and much less twisting involved. It is more time consuming to use than the cage but it's quieter and more comfortable to use and requires less people.

Plant Information: Tsuga heterophylla 20-40x6-10m - Conical evergreen conifer producing very glossy, dark green leaves. Grow in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or shade. Shelter from strong winds. Propagate by seed in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn.

  Task Description: Today we finished cutting the hedges in the walled garden and we also cut the Taxus baccata hedge outside the secret garden. I had the opportunity to use a pole cutter - a hedgecutter on a long pole - to cut the top of one of the hedges and also the tops of the shaped Taxus trees (see Fig. 2.6). The pole cutter is heavy and generates a lot of vibrations so it can only be used for short periods of time. A harness can be worn to make using the machine more comfortable.

Ondina Mulundo Hampton Court 2010/11

Bedding out

There are 14 circular plant beds in this area surrounded by lawns. The size of the plant bed is about 15x8m. The soil has being raised, which gives height and makes the plant scheme stand out on this side of the garden which is quite flat.
Comments This task has different stages, the first one the satisfaction of creating a planting scheme with a variety of shapes and texture and to see how beautiful they look as they grow. The second one was improving my knowledge of how to work with a variety of plants using pattern and mixed random planting within the same scheme, with a spectacular results. The third one is you get to feel most of the muscles in your body particularly in your back and the knees. I think it would help if we could have other tasks in between, however as I know being a horticulturist is not always possible select the tasks to please the work force.
Shaping the circle of the trees, removing hederas from the wall, Digging out the Malus trees using a fork to loosen up the soil around the roots and dig out the tree using the spade. Collect all the plant waste and take to the recycle area.

Scarifying the lawn, Clear the area of litter and debris such as sticks and large stones.
Turf scarifiers are used to remove the build up of thatch on the surface of the lawn. This is done to remove moss and weeds and clippings from the lawn. It stops the lawn from being compacted and helps oxygen, water and fertilisers to reach the roots of the grass. Scarification also encourages the grass to produce side shoots which will lead to a denser lawn.

Strimmer, scarifier, barrow, spade, rakes and besom
The tasks were very satisfying, I enjoyed the dynamic of performing different tasks in the same day. Doing these tasks help to improve my practical knowledge and the satisfaction to see how well and easy I can do these tasks. In the end of the day I could see the transformation in the garden and knowing that I made happen.

Nerieda Martin-Fabregas Myddleton House 2010/11
Monday, 27th September 2010.

Light showers early in the morning. Dry and cool in the morning and mild in the afternoon.

 TASKS:
7.30 - Take Temperatures in glasshouses and conservatory.
MOVE SUCCULENTS with Bryan & Nicola. They are not hardy enough to survive the winter temperatures and dampness. We put the small plants in trays and the bigger ones in pots.

 Nicola and I finished off the bed by MOVING AND REPLANTING some of the Ajuga repens making an homogenous straight line at the bottom of the bed, just at the edge. The Ajuga line stops the soil coming down the bed and falling into the road.

James Miller at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens
September 26th 2010

Green Festival, Sunday.
This involved assisting in apple pressing, using mainly windfalls of both apples and pears, Pyrus domestica. Due to the exceptionally large crop of apples this season we could thin out a large amount of smaller apples from a Kent verity Malus domestica ‘Orange Goth'. The apple pressing activity proved particularly popular with the public, involving children with the operation of the apple press. Once the fruit has been chopped and put through a crusher it is then pressed and the juice is passed through muslin to remove any large partials. Obviously this task requires careful supervision when it involves members of the public. The fresh juice from this activity can then be given away to the public.

Tamara Bridge at Sandringham

Date
29.10.10

Weather
Dry

Location
PG

Daily routine and areas of responsibility
Arrive 7:30am, break 9:30am, lunch 12:30pm, leave 4:15pm

Tasks undertaken
7:30-11:15

 Cutting down herbaceous near upper lakes using a strimmer to get rid of worse stuff then tidying up behind with rake and secateurs.

Machinery/ tools used
Strimmer, tractor and trailer

Horticultural interest
Primula vialli, Upright stalk with an orchid like spike of lilac flowers, likes bog ground still flowering very pretty

General observations
Taxodium distichum looking great by water