Harehope Estate Gardens - Alnwick
I spent 18 months as a part-time Temporary Gardener in Charge. I was brought in to troubleshoot certain areas of the site where plants were failing for no apparent reason.
It quickly became evident that the site was riddled with natural springs, so I set about devising plans for land drains in key areas. I worked alongside the residents’ digger driver to get these plans implemented.
I then organised the reinstatement of the planting areas, choosing plants that were better suited to the conditions.
Other work included fitting climbing supports along the pergola walk, restoring under-pruned climbing roses and adding new planting in selected areas.
Harehope was very different ground to what I had become used to in Berwickshire and here in the free-draining Glen Valley. I really enjoyed the challenge.
I only wish I could have stayed long enough to create a large bog garden and natural pond area.