Preparing for Winter

7 months ago

Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

**Over the last couple of weeks the weather has been wet and wild The gardens and car park especially have suffered from flooding and water damage meaning that all the gardeners have been busy cleaning up In the Formal Gardens we have been lifting the cannas from the Great Plat. We have two types, the Canna musifolia are the tall ones on the outside beds with banana like leaves and the smaller ones are Canna indica. In the spring we plunged the cannas into the beds whilst still in their pots, making it much easier to lift them out. The leaves of the cannas are cut back and we store them in the greenhouse over winter. We have been chopping back the Bergenia x schmidtii that edge the Plat borders to stop them spreading too far into the beds. We simply take a spade and chop the plants back to the desired size. This is quite a big job so it was great to have the help of all our volunteers Also this week we have finished chopping back the Mexican daisies in the walls and have given the orange trees in the Orangery a wash The oranges were starting to show signs of sooty mould, so we wiped all the leaves with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to stop the spread. Plants that will be looking good in the gardens over the next few weeks include the Skimmia japonica and Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'. The red Skimmia berries provide a bright splash of colour amongst the glossy evergreen foliage. The Magnolia stellata in the Shrubbery is coming into bud, a little earlier than usual**:
Over the last couple of weeks the weather has been wet and wild The gardens and car park especially have suffered from flooding and water damage meaning that all the gardeners have been busy cleaning up In the Formal Gardens we have been lifting the cannas from the Great Plat. We have two types, the
_Canna musifolia_ are the tall ones on the outside beds with banana like leaves and the smaller ones are
_Canna indica_. In the spring we plunged the cannas into the beds whilst still in their pots, making it much easier to lift them out. The leaves of the cannas are cut back and we store the potted cannas in the greenhouse over winter. We have been chopping back the
_Bergenia x schmidtii _that edge the Plat borders to stop them spreading too far into the beds. We simply take a spade and chop the plants back to the desired size. This is quite a big job so it was great to have the help of all our volunteers Also this week we have finished chopping back the Mexican daisies in the walls and have given the orange trees in the Orangery a wash The oranges were starting to show signs of sooty mould, so we wiped all the leaves with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to stop the spread. Plants that will be looking good in the gardens over the next few weeks include the
_Skimmia japonica_ and
_Skimmia japonica_ 'Rubella'. The red Skimmia berries provide a bright splash of colour amongst the glossy evergreen foliage. The
_Magnolia stellata_ in the Shrubbery is coming into bud, a little earlier than usual

  • Winter Gardening Ideas

    5 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

    **Winter Gardening Ideas: How To Look After Your Garden**: As the chilly nights draw-in make sure you follow these top tips on how to look after your garden over the winter with winter gardening ideas from Head Gardener **Claire Greenslade**. Cannas looking totally tropical on the Great Plat this summer **1. Lift tender plants**: Many tender species need...

  • Why Visit Winter Gardens?

    5 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

    When it's cold outside and the days are short, it can be all too tempting to hunker down, cosy up and stay indoors. But we're here to convince you to throw on a jacket, pull on your wellies and head outside. Visiting winter gardens is a great way to do this. And while there won't be quite so many blooms, the colder months bring their own unique treats. ...

  • Autumn Garden Events

    6 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

    Our autumn / winter events are all now online. This week is the **Confident Gardener** workshop - learn about how to prepare semi ripe cuttings with our Head Gardener Claire Reid.

  • 5 Ways You Can Try Wildlife Gardening at Home

    6 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

    There’s little better than a butterfly fluttering past, a bee buzzing by or a dragonfly darting through when you’re pottering in the garden. You can make those chance encounters more likely by embracing wildlife gardening. Luckily, finding the balance between a wildlife garden and beautiful planting is easier than you might think. Here, we suggest five...

  • Grounds Operative

    6 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom TEAM CONTINUITY SOLUTIONS LTD Full time

    We now have a fantastic opportunity to recruit **Grounds Operative ** **in the Somerset Area** **Shift Available**: - Monday to Friday - 730-1600 **Hourly pay rate - **£11.98 **You will need**: - Full UK Driving Licence - Level 2 certificate of competency in the safe use of lawnmowers - NVQ level 2 in horticulture ( Desirable ) - Be prepared to work...

  • Unqualified Send Teaching Assistant

    6 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Vision for Education Full time

    I am currently seeking a Teaching Assistant to work in a specialist school to support children with additional needs such as autism and profound and multiple learning difficulties. **About the role**: You will be required to work with small groups or 1:1, supporting children with a range of ages and levels of learning. **About the school**: This SEND...

  • Trainee Teaching Assistant

    2 weeks ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Vision for Education - Bristol Full time

    January Start date**Looking to become a Teaching Assistant but struggling to gain the necessary experience? Look no further than Vision for Education's National Teaching Assistant Program (NTAP).If you are looking to start a career as a Teaching Assistant and want to join Vision for Education's NTAP team, please apply nowAbout the roleVision For Education...

  • Teaching Assistant

    2 weeks ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Vision for Education - Bristol Full time

    January Start date**Looking to become a Teaching Assistant but struggling to gain the necessary experience? Look no further than Vision for Education's National Teaching Assistant Program (NTAP).If you are looking to start a career as a Teaching Assistant and want to join Vision for Education's NTAP team, please apply nowVision For Education are excited to...

  • Trainee Teaching Assistant

    2 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Vision for Education - Bristol Full time

    Looking to become a Teaching Assistant but struggling to gain the necessary experience? Look no further than Vision for Education's National Teaching Assistant Program (NTAP).If you are looking to start a career as a Teaching Assistant and want to join Vision for Education's NTAP team, please apply nowAbout the roleVision For Education are excited to provide...

  • Enjoying Dog Walks in Somerset

    5 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Hestercombe Gardens Full time

    Written by Katlyn McDonald_ **Enjoying Dog Walks in Somerset**: Attracting over 11 million visitors a day, the county has long been a popular destination for dog walks in Somerset, from those looking for serious hikes to those looking for a gentle amble. The countryside boasts opportunities for everyone seeking to reap the benefits of walking in...

  • Administrative Officer Taunton

    6 months ago

    Taunton, United Kingdom Department for Work and Pensions Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 348444**Salary**: - £25,082**Job grade**: - Administrative Officer**Contract type**: - Permanent**Business area**: - DWP - Service Excellence - Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt - Case Preparation and Administration**Type of role**: - Administration / Corporate Support**Working pattern**: - Flexible working,...