Wassail: ‘Snowshill style’

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Snowshill welcomed again the Happenstance Border Morris team to its second  , ‘Orchard visiting‘  Wassail on a splendid  sunny January day. Linda, director of this event, hasn’t lost her uncanny ability to ensure great weather for these outside  celebrations. In the main orchard : the ‘King tree’ was suitably dressed with pots and pans {how else can it be awakened}, the braziers lit although the temperature was not particular cold for January and the Happenstance team in all their finery assembled around the king tree prior to their moving to the start of the days proceedings by the priest house.  Awaiting the days visitors in the bookshop were Toni and Becky with Wassail drinks {cider or apple/cinnamon} after which all headed to the priest house where the Wassail was to start with some traditional dances from Happenstance.

After 3 well executed traditional dances with music to set the mood, the first being Belas Knap, the election of the Wassail king and queen took place. Cakes {blue and pink}, courtesy of Becky,  were handed around and selection was made by whoever found the cherry in their cake. At this point all made their way back to the orchard and King tree.

The traditional ring was formed around the King tree by all who could be persuaded, followed by  ‘Wassail’ singing. This set the stage for the ‘toast’ to the King tree which was initiated by the appointed king & queen dipping their toast in cider before attaching them to the tree branches. Then everyone joined in the ‘toast’ and the pans suspended from the tree beaten along with the firing {careful!} of the shotgun. The tree didn’t stand much chance and it would’t surprise me if we didn’t ‘awaken’ the trees & ‘scare’  the spirits in Winchcombe! All was not yet complete and the most demanding but ‘enjoyable?’ part of the event was to follow. This involved everyone in the unique Snowshill Wassail dance which proved challenging for some, especially the Happenstance dance leader orchestrating from the centre, but successfully executed by the end.

Finally the day came to a close with a torchlight procession back to Pipers Grove where the final Wassail song by Happenstance took place to conclude what I  thought again was a great traditional ‘pagan’ event. Given the healthy harvest of apples of 2013 after last years Wassail I can only look forward  to the outcome from Wassail 2014.

For those with decent broadband a short video of the event can be found here enjoy!

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The apples have it, a record breaker!

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Well another ‘fine production’ comes to a close and the best apple weekend I have experienced so far.  As they say its mainly in the preparation: the apples, the props, the activities, the ‘actors’ and a good script. In this case the apple show is headed by our Producer/Director Gardener in charge Linda with Katie her assistant sharing the load, with us volunteers plus key staff in supporting roles. So after months in the planning, gathering and setting up, the stage was eventually set  October 19th for the Apple weekend show. This year’s activities, more than ever,  included :{bee keepers marquee with display hive, apple peeling, apple collection & history, apple press, apple weight guess, apple catching, guess the apple variety, apple orchard conservation, juggling, ‘apple’ arts & crafts’, farmers market…} and required extra gazebos and marquees. The apple being the centre piece for what is a celebration of nature and gardening was, I’d like to believe, helped out by the first ‘Wassail‘ held at Snowshill Manor in January. Ok I can’t claim it contributed to the record 619 apple varieties in this years collection {427 last year} but the healthy crop of  2013 Snowshill Manor apples surely benefited. Its also worthy of a mention that Iain,  garden volunteer, has over the years generated all the labels for each apple variety {gives name, use & origin and all in Ian’s database} and we are now approaching the impressive 1000 different varieties mark.

Of course to ensure a successful event you need a little luck with the weather,  a receptive & healthy audience and the ‘actors‘ to deliver their best. Well we dodged a bullet with the weather given the wet spell we are ‘enjoying’ currently. So Saturday was great with an enthusiastic audience smaller than last year with less children, which meant more work at the apple press given it works best with willing  ‘child labour’ to lighten the load on us but is a fun experience for them. Unfortunately we  were hit with torrential rain for the last hour of an otherwise fine day but hopefully not too many of the audience suffered as a consequence. Sunday promised more of the same but again was mainly fine with a couple of showers late afternoon. The audience during the day was larger, and even better included more children, who were more than willing to get stuck into producing their own apple juice!  Sadly I couldn’t prise myself away from the apple press to experience the rest of the activities but I think from my perspective both young and old, performers and audience had fun { or was it the intoxicating juice?, that Ashmead Kernel is a winner}. We may even have slipped in (a soft sell) some educational pieces on sustainability, nature conservation and countryside traditions plus I hope we improved our international standing with those welcome visitors from abroad .

So given the apple weekend is always a bonus for visitors {and players} why did I think this years was extra special. Well the weather wasn’t as kind to us as normal, there were fewer helpers available and yet everyone put on a good show and really got into the spirit. To conclude I have to hand out some credits, always a dangerous thing if I forget someone, but I think its worth it. Starting with the audience there were some great family groups who really got into the spirit, so much so I found it difficult to tell the children from the parents given the behaviours on display. On the international front a special mention to a family from Ukraine {it always embarrasses me that english is only their second language} and a combined family group from German who participated with great enthusiasm.  On the ‘actors’ side you have to be impressed with Rosemary {I forgive her for not saving me an apple with one of her knitted holders} who came all the way from Wales to help, Marge with injured wrist and Reg on his birthday. As ever hats off to Linda {she can’t resist the pull of the event in spite of the pressure} and katie. Although the show, I think, is over for me this year there is still  the final clearing up to do. So whilst I can look forward to next years event hopefully we’ll get some clearer weather this week so the team can dismantle the marquees etc without to much pain.

Lastly its worth mentioning that Snowshill Manor was still operating as usual and it was good to see the property managers, Dom and Hayley with their respective families joining in the fun as well.

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A visit to the ‘relocated zoo’, Kernow

Not your everyday garden plants

Tricky garden terrain, who’d live in a house like this

Getting deeper on the causeway!

Impressive front to Lanhydrock house

Primary colours for formal gardens

Grand view from church of the estate and river Fowey valley

Tides out in inner harbour

Polperrow outer harbour and beach!

Polperrow coastal paths

Continuation of my ‘mini summer break’ was to be at my sister’s new home cum zoo near St Austell. On yet another blistering hot day popped into Lanhydrock , which was the home of the Agar-Robartes family,  with Jacobean roots. The impressive house {now restored in Victorian fashion} and gardens didn’t disappoint. I was however more taken with the wider estate {with its ancient oaks} and walks which took me down to the Respryn bridge and river Fowey. Nice cool woodland walk along the river Fowey and back up to the House in the company of a couple with their dog. Arrival at my sister’s characterful home was interesting because added to the zoo were the neighbours 2 cats and dogs all of which were very friendly!  Enjoyed my first walk with the dogs in the nearby nature reserve created from the previous china clay workings and a good environment it is too.

Walking the dogs turned out to be a running theme so the next day I enjoyed a longer walk following the river St Austell down to Pentewan. Did get a little exhausted entertaining the dogs but was grateful on the return leg that their interest was taken up in jumping into the river where the steep banks permitted. Retreated from this cool environment as the day heated up to head for a well stocked barbecue with Deb, Stuart , Heather and Mick.

Previous visits to Kernow had taken in St Michaels’s Mount which I always enjoy and on this occasion I was happy to carry on this treat. The tides at this time of year are good for the local boatmen as the causeway is underwater for most of the time St Michael’s Mount is open. However Deb seeing that some people were still walking the causeway urged me to do the same. It became obvious halfway across that the causeway was rapidly ‘sinking’ under the incoming tide so my sister retreated back to the boat whilst I soldiered on and luckily made it with minimal soaking of clothes. On this visit we ignored the impressive castle and concentrated on the gardens. Hats off to the gardeners for creating the impressive terrace gardens in this rocky, steep terrain. Needless to say the return journey to Marazion on the mainland was by boat. My time in this part of Cornwall was not yet complete as we decided to investigate the Marazion nature reserve with its extensive reed beds. Didn’t spot any Bitterns but enjoyed seeing plenty of damselflies, butterflies and the odd warbler. Ended a great day with a relaxing walk with the dogs.

Completed this visit to Kernow, together with Stuart and Debbie, with a visit to Polperrow. Bit of a touristy thing for me to do but it is an attractive Cornish harbour village and has good access to impressive coastal walks  which on this occasion I only got a small taste of.  An enjoyable visit, helped by the weather once more, but the Ashes, Tour de France and the Open golf beckoned, back home in the Cotswolds.

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Where have all the apples gone…

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Last year, especially at Snowshill Manor, was a record year for fruit But this year as most of the UK knows has been very poor for apples. The constant wet weather in the Spring and throughout 2012 impacted the pollinating insects and there is always a drop in fruit production after a ‘bumper ‘ year. So there was a certain amount of trepidation as to whether the apple weekend at Snowshill could go ahead. Of course this didn’t reckon on the determination of the founder of this special event, Linda the head gardener at Snowshill for over 21 years! So although the quantity and quality of apples was significantly down on last year an amazing 427 varieties were available for exhibition with enough local samples for sale , peeling and pressing.

Of course, and under the leadership of Linda, us garden volunteers and notable Manor staff provided vital support in goods, labour and good cheer to setup for the Apple weekend. Also worthy of mentioning was the work by Toni and staff at the Pipers Grove end of Snowshill, with the ‘farmers market’.

Once again the  weather for Apple weekend was good with the Sunday being especially sunny. On the Saturday I operated the new Apple press with Chris {expert} & his  wife, it proved to be a big success and a steady stream {over 500} of customers enjoyed a taste  of the unique Snowshill apple juice blend. On Sunday I had to manage without Chris but Katie ,Reg and Marge stood up to the challenge. I ought to add that a good deal of the labour was provided by the children who thrived on operating the press and ‘scratter’ with their parents permission and our supervision of course. We saw an increase of 50% of customers on the Sunday with a fair number of Europeans, Americans and Antipodeans in the mix. My french was certainly not up to explaining the process of producing apple juice but luckily the  french parents were good translators.

So inspite of initial worries this apple celebration was a success for all involved and judging by the smiles of the public an enjoyable day out for all.

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Early return from the North: Castles, coast and crags

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Sad to leave Mull but the wild weather wasn’t easing in the near future so I reluctantly decided to begin the return journey home via Northumberland and Cumbria earlier than planned.  Luckily for me the return ferry crossings went smoothly and I looked forward to an interesting journey to Edinburgh. Sadly weather wasn’t obliging and I was unable to capture the seriously dramatic Glencoe mountains, but I’ll be back! Encountered a cycle race in progress, fortunately on the other side of the road, much respect to the participants given the terrain and weather. Weather began to improve and more impressive Scottish scenery was revealed as I made slow but steady progress across Scotland. Made a bad error in navigation as I ended up driving through the middle of Edinburgh, a  bit of a contrast to the driving in the Islands {give me a cattle grid anytime}. Impressed with Edinburgh inspite of its major works on a new tramway { local feelings on this run high!}, must spend longer next time.

Next day re-entered England and spent  a sunny day at Bamburgh castle, Northumberland , influenced by a favourite author of mine Bernard Cornwell. An imposing sight, easy to see why it remained unconquered for so long, the Normans eventually overcoming the defences.

Following day visited Lindisfarne, iffy weather but dry, and I was one of the first to cross the ‘tidal’ causeway which was fun. Obviously a popular place to visit but it was early on a Sunday and so relatively peaceful and quiet. Good for sea birds , seals and charm a little like Iona.  Had to visit the NT castle and had a cheery greeting from NT staff & volunteers on duty. Of interest, as part of the castle grounds , was a walled, small but nicely formed garden courtesy of Gertrude Jekyll. I could have spent longer on the Island but the weather was turning along with the mid day tide so I scooted back across the causeway heading for NT Cragside.

Well worth the visit even in the sunshine and showers. The victorian house and estate of Lord Armstrong impressive including of course the formal gardens,  although I didn’t spot any staff/volunteers on duty, lucky for them? Enjoyed a short time in the hyde they have here amongst the magnificent pines & conifers. Best I came up with was a nuthatch so no red squirrels or kingfisher on my watch.

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Get out of gaol free

Inside the Manor

Working in the gardens at Snowshill manor for over a year now , fortunately I have a key to get out! Need it to mow the village green and exterior manor verges.

Knock Knock

Impressive knocker for the Snowshill manor, not often do I get the opportunity to go inside, there’s always plenty of work to do outside in the arts &crafts gardens and orchards. Have to say I enjoy working in cooler weather but as the pictures below illustrate the hot late spring weather brings the best out in the gardens.

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Kernow II: Daffodils, Robin Hood, Ancient trees & Drogo

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A continuation of my visit to Cornwall still blessed with sunshine and good humour. To be accurate Castle Drogo and  Killerton are in Devon. However having been starved of visits to NT sites couldn’t resist paying a visit to first Trelissick garden and then Trerice. Still early season to see Trelissick at its best but was most worthwhile wandering around its formal gardens with springtime flowers providing a good show. As a bonus  was a splendid presentation of ~100 varieties of daffodils in the stable block. We also caught tantalising views across the surrounding parkland towards the river Fal, something to be explored with the dogs another time.  As a contrast we dropped in on the Elizabethan mansion at Trerice which provided some surprising and enjoyable entertainment both inside and outside the house. So in the great hall were some interesting games and ‘attire’ we were allowed to play with. Outside were the formal gardens and an area for Kayling {bowling outside Cornwall}.

To complete my sunny March break I took the opportunity to visit Killerton House a georgian home for the Acland family. The gardens by Veitch grabbed my attention with its rare & ancient trees {californian redwood, wellingtonia, beech, sweet chestnut and Lucombe oak} plus colourful displays of rhododendrons & magnolia. On my return journey I managed to reach castle Drogo inspite of my satnav struggling to find the entrance. Although in historical terms its more of a ‘new build’ I was certainly glad I decided to visit. Not only is the whole building an impressive feat of engineering, albeit with one or two design faults, it sits in a great garden and an impressive landscape. So plenty to see inside the contemporary medieval castle  but lots to see in its gardens and for future visits the walks available in the Teign valley.

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Garden connections

Its mid March and I finally got the opportunity to visit a couple of NT properties I’ve been meaning to see for the last two years. First was Croome court with links back to 16th century but what we see today was inspired by the 6th earl of Coventry through the services of Capability Brown,  James Wyatt and Robert Adams. Liked the openness of the parkland landscape, views of the Malverns and the many special features positioned throughout the grounds. One  interesting connection is to Broadway tower built for lady Coventry in 1799 and next to NT Clump farm.  The second property was Hanbury Hall home of Thomas Vernon since 1701 and a home I  felt quite at ease in. Formal gardens were impressive something I expected since Anna head gardener at Chastleton had informed me of and it was good to meet Neil the head gardener and early mentor to Anna {along with Linda head gardener at Snowshill of course}. Lots to remember but the rhubarb ice cream they sell here takes some beating.

Early season view of 'Palladian' style Croome Court

Hanbury Hall, imposing but interior puts you at ease

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An Apple a day……

Thought I’d start my second Blog, my  countryside Blog being reserved for NT ranger experiences, this one being a little more general. So I thought I’d kickoff with a couple of NT garden experiences at Snowshillmanor in 2011. Although not directly related to work in the garden I had the pleasure of supporting the Snowshill apple extravaganza which took place over the weekend of 22 Oct 2011. I think the pictures say it all on a a perfect day where  everyone had a great day. Highlights for me were working the apple presses and seeing both children and adults having fun creating some very tasty apple juice! Thanks to the experts Chris and Mark plus Kate who prised me away so she could enjoy helping as well. Of course none of this would be possible without the ‘Direction’ from Linda {head gardener}.

Over the years she has collected over 500 variety of apples per event, organised the marquis and equipment courtesy of excellent local contacts and got the team organised before ,during and after the event.

Lady Sudley

small sample of the 400-500 varieties on show

Press in full flow, queue mounting ‘to have a go ‘

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