Woman's Weekly Living Series October 2020

CHATSWORTH’S BIG GARDEN TRANSFORMATION During the 2020 lockdown, a major development took place in the gardens of Chatsworth, Derbyshire, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. This latest scheme, the Arcadia project, is part of a transformation of a section of the garden, which will be the biggest garden update completed at Chatsworth for nearly 200 years. A team of 10 welcomed help from the Duke and Duchess, who took on jobs such as planting and watering. The changes include a remodelled rock garden, new maze borders, along with the creation of arcadia glades. Working to plans created by garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith, the Arcadia project features a new stone sculpture called natural course as a centrepiece. Thousands of blue Camassia and primula were planted, which will establish to…

The exotic looking pink South African bulb can be relied upon to give a welcome late splash of summer colour amid autumnal hues. One of the best late-flowering bulbs, Nerine bowdenii loves a dry spot at the base of a hedge or foot of a south-facing wall. They are best planted in groups so that flowers have more impact and the fragrance will fill cool air at this time of year. This hardy species prefers a sunny spot but will flower in partial shade if needed. The bulbs like to be exposed at the soil’s surface, so in very cold regions, apply a deep mulch to protect from frost. Strappy leaves appear in January and remain until summer, before flowers appear atop bare stems.…

1 Try not to rake up dead wood or leaves, as these offer homes for mini beasts. If the urge is strong to keep the garden looking tidy, keep your borders wild so that they become a haven for insect life and birds. Raking debris into the border can be a good compromise. 2 Ivy is one of the most beneficial plants. Flowers are starting to bloom, providing a late source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Ivy also provides vital shelter for insects and birds through the cold months. 3 Let stems and old flower heads die back naturally over winter. Seeds in old stems will feed birds and many insects. Cut back stems in early spring. 4 As the months are getting colder, nest boxes, bat…

BEACH HUT NEST BOX An RSPB box made to the highest specification for bird safety and well-being. It’s made from FSC-certified timber, suitable for a range of birds, and comes in several fun colours. £18.99, rspb.org.uk HEDGEHOG HOUSE A great addition to the autumn garden, the pull-out tunnel makes a ramp to allow hedgehogs easy access. This little hut is made from pressure-treated timber and has a cedar roof. £75, theposhshedcompany.co.uk FLIP TOP SOLITARY BEEHIVE This new bee hotel has been designed with a hinged lid which allows you to see bees nesting activity. The box will attract solitary bees and is free-standing or can be hung from a wall. £25.99, greengardener.co.uk…

THALICTRUM ‘CHANTILLY LACE’ This deciduous perennial has large pink-lilac flowers from late spring. Perfect for a spot in dappled light in a humus-rich soil. H 50cm (20in) x S 45cm (18in).£7.50, hardysplants.co.uk. LEYCESTERIA ‘LITTLE LANTERNS’ Perfect for the smaller garden, deep red bracts contrast beautifully with luscious yellow foliage. Deep purple berries appear in autumn. H 1.5m (5ft).£14.99, suttons.co.uk. TULIP ‘STRIKING MATCH’ What’s hot? A new lily-flowered tulip! Tall stems produce orange and red flared petals with a hint of purple and yellow at the base. Ideal for pots. H 55cm (21in). 25 for £23, livingcolourbulbs.com…

Nestling in the lee of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, this magical garden holds countless childhood memories for Helen Picton. ‘It was my playground – I remember it as this jungle with enormous daisies.’ She also recalls helping her mother in the potting shed. ‘I quite literally was brought up there.  Apparently my playpen used to be on the potting bench.’ Today, Helen and her husband, Ross Barbour, the former head gardener at Ragley Hall, have taken over the garden and nursery from her parents, Paul and Meriel. There is, she acknowledges, a certain sense of responsibility that comes with being the third generation to take over a cherished family garden. ‘I am very aware of how much the family has put into the garden, so my parents are involved…