A fabulous Friday at Athelhampton.

Lots of visitors enjoying the spring sunshine this morning. Many of those I spoke to told me how they are inspired by the hard work of our Gardening team.

l was particularly impressed by the great work by Bill who has spent the last few weeks “pleaching” the Lime Trees, it’s a labour intensive task, weaving new growth in amongst the old, cutting and pruning into shape.

In hedge laying, this technique done every couple of years, creates a dense hedge ideal for enclosing animals.
 In garden design, the same technique can produce elaborate structures, neatly shaded walks and natural arbours.
 The Lime Walk at Athelhampton is stunning when in leaf in the summer, but at this time of year the structure of the old and new branches is quite amazing.
 It’s been over a decade since Athelhampton has opened on a regular basis on a Friday, we are really pleased to be open 6 days a week.