October 2012

By the time the volunteers left the reserve on Monday 1^st October we were all quite wet, and some of us managed to become covered in mud as well.  We had spent another morning managing the daffodil bank, or in other words removing seedling sycamore and invasive vegetation.  This has been a major task over the last few weeks and we hope our efforts will allow the daffodils to shine through next spring.

As mentioned previously, now is the time to see an excellent display of autumn crocus (Colchicum) close to the wall on Warley Road.   There are also a few in the walled garden if you do not wish to walk too far.  These delicate blooms do not last long, so enjoy them while they last.  If you are visiting the walled garden check the colours of the Gingko tree which should be showing its beautiful autumn tints.

A number of trees have fallen since the last notes and consequently the cattle had to leave early as the fence had been broken by one of the larger trees.   One of these boundary trees is a large Variegated Sycamore.  Another is a silver birch on the Pleasance.  In order to clear them there will be plenty of log cutting and splitting to keep the volunteers busy over the next few weeks.  Where appropriate some of the wood will be left to provide food and shelter for insects and other creatures that live in dead wood. 

This acts as a reminder that when we are visiting the reserve we should pay attention to warning signs if an area is fenced off, as sturdy trees do sometimes fall unexpectedly.

Talking of signs and information around Warley Place visitors will find some new boards have been put in.  One of Ellen Wilmott's talents was photography, a very different and more laborious process from today's 'point and shoot' with a mobile phone.  A large private collection of her pictures gives a glimpse of Victorian life and the glamour of life at Warley.  They have also helped in the detective work of trying to establish how the gardens were laid out by her.  Copies of some of these have been framed and placed where they help to give visitors images of the house as it was in her time.  These have been framed and weather proofed for display as a donation by Picturesque on Warley Hill.

 

As always the reserve is constantly changing so do come for a quiet walk to see the glories of autumn. 

 

There are some bags of leaf mould for sale by the gate as this is the time of year when many gardeners use this valuable soil conditioner.   There is always a need for extra empty bags so if you have any that you wish to return please leave them in the little shed by the gate, so they don't blow away.