spring cleaning

Spring has sprung and the garden is coming to life at last.
In a garden as large as ours, with many protected, mature trees, there is always maintenance to be done. Last year, this elderly chestnut tree was cut down as it was in an unhealthy state. 

The trunk has been retained, at the suggestion of he County tree officer, as a haven for small forms of wildlife. Every time we lose a mature specimen, we replace it elsewhere in the garden with the same or a different tree.
The 18thC building also needs constant work. This cherry picker was hired to enable our maintenance man to clear the gutters which had become clogged with  grass, pigeon nests and moss. It also enabled him to check out and photograph other problems developing at roof height.

 Meanwhile, our residents attended a talk by Simon Greenish, until recently Curator of Bletchley Park. Over the years a number of our residents have worked at decryption during the war, either at Bletchley Park or in other associated work. This is the case with a current resident and former WReN, who worked at a Y station, listening to German messages.

Outside the flowers are growing and the garden is being prepared for new vegetables. People and animals are able to get outside again.

 Coming up, we have outings, a sponsored walk and a musical evening to keep us occupied. More soon.