On the Ground: 2026

20th April was a big day for the garden team; we received a delivery of approximately 3,600 plants for the second phase of the garden redesign, including perennials, grasses, ferns, trees and shrubs that could not be sourced last autumn. These were supplied by a host of successful nurseries, including Arvensis Perennials, Abi and Tom’s Garden Plants, Beth Chatto Gardens, and Kevock Garden Plants.

We began by organising each plant according to the planting plan zones. Each border experiences different conditions – the streamside is shaded, whereas areas around the lawn are exposed to full sun, with planting suited to reflect this. With thousands of pots to sort, it was a challenging yet exciting process, giving us our first real glimpse of the range of plants that will make up the next part of the garden.

Two days later, we were joined by two of the designers, Annie and Martin. Patrick was putting the finishing touches to his Chelsea Flower Show garden, which went on to win a Gold Medal. Massive congratulations, Patrick! Together, we began the mammoth task of laying out the plants in their final positions.

We were blessed with fantastic weather throughout, although this brought its own challenges. With thousands of plants waiting to go into the ground, keeping the pots watered while finding time to plant them all proved quite a balancing act.

– Claire

With the growing season approaching, we turned our attention this month, with Alex taking the lead, to re-siting several plants following earlier clearance work. This included one of the yew (Taxus baccata) pyramids, various Polystichum species removed from around the streamside, and a mature Miscanthus sinensis. These plants have been repositioned into borders of the garden that are still to be refined, helping to bring greater balance and structure whilst strengthening the overall cohesion of the planting. By reusing plants already on site, this also provides a more sustainable approach as the garden continues to evolve.

Another project this month was the introduction of a hot composter, with Charlotte leading the build following guidance from Charles Dowding. This addition allows us to process more challenging material, including perennial and seed-bearing weeds, within the garden. The composter has been screened using locally sourced coppiced hazel, helping it to sit more naturally in its surroundings. This approach makes better use of organic material, allowing us to return more valuable nutrients to the soil.

– Claire

Late winter marks the ideal period to prune many shrubs and climbers whilst they are still dormant, helping to promote healthy growth and maximise flowering potential in the season ahead. Two notable plants we worked on this month were our Wisteria sinensis and our English shrub roses. At this time of year, we focus on removing dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing growth and shaping plants to allow light and air into the centre. Our roses benefit from a harder prune to encourage strong new shoots, whereas our wisteria is pruned more selectively, maintaining its framework by shortening side shoots to promote flowering bud development. These winter tasks play a key role in the abundance of flowers, scent, and colour that our guests enjoy later in the year.

Alongside winter pruning, the team has also been developing our Phase 2 irrigation system to support new plantings more sustainably as we move into the growing season. By drawing on naturally collected water, rather than relying on a mains supply, we can reduce our environmental impact whilst ensuring plants establish successfully. We have opted for an above-ground sprinkler system to water efficiently without disturbing or compacting the soil. Water is supplied from a naturally collected well, with a pump feeding key areas of the garden. The system can be timed to run outside of peak guest periods, maintaining both plant health and the enjoyment of the garden.

– Claire

January in the garden is often a quieter month. Much of our time has been spent behind the scenes, cleaning and re-treating the teak furniture that will return to the terraces in early spring.

But while the borders may appear still, the garden itself has been full of life.

This month, our gardener Trevor organised Langdale Chase’s participation in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, turning a national wildlife survey into something guests could enjoy during their stay. An interpretation board was installed in the garden to invite participation, extra feeders were added to increase activity, and the team created an illustrated leaflet introducing some of the birds commonly seen around the grounds.

The mix of mature trees, evergreen structure and open planting provides valuable habitat at this time of year, and sightings included siskins and even a passing sparrowhawk – a reminder that healthy gardens support whole ecosystems.

As we move towards spring, the furniture will return outdoors, and the garden will begin to shift again. But January has been a reminder that there is always something to see, even in the quietest months.

– Claire