..while the sun shone kindly o’er us,
And flowers bloomed round our feet, -
While many a bud of joy before us
Unclosed its petals sweet,-
An unseen work within was plying;
Like honey seeking bee,
From flower to flower, unwearied, flying,
Laboured one faculty,- (Extract from “Winter Stores” Charlotte Bronte)
Charlotte, in this poem seems to be comparing life to the seasons. June has had quite a few seasons already for us in the Parsonage garden. It started off with some very heavy rain for a few days and some strong breezes. However, in the middle part of the month it really became “flaming June” with temperatures only slightly below 30 degrees C, only to return to full days of rain towards the month end. All these conditions have been very conducive to fast growing and the gardens, both front and back of house, are now very lush as well as colourful.
The colour consists of poppies, roses, cranesbill and azalea amongst many others such as the more delicate but no less beautiful, astrantia. The new ‘Charlotte’ rose in the rear garden is just breaking out of bud into full flower and it looks like we are set for an explosion of blooms.
This month celebrates Branwell’s 200th Birthday and we have created a new bed in his name to mark the occasion. We have dug up an existing bed in the rear garden and filled it with completely new planting in a theme to reflect his appearance and character. Mainly reds, oranges and yellows with a hint of blue too! So we now have “Branwell’s Bed” outside as well as the indoor exhibition in the Parsonage. Of course, with newly planted flowers when the weather is so hot we need to make sure that everything, particularly in that new bed, is kept well watered.
Finally, we thought it worth a mention that the meadow behind the Parsonage has recently re-opened to the public with grass pathways now cut through the taller grasses and buttercups. There are plenty of seats there too, ideal for a picnic or just a tranquil spot for contemplation and to take in the views, especially after visiting the Parsonage and its gardens.
We hope you enjoy all these summer treats on your visit.
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