In all areas old vegetation and debris is being cleared, glasshouses are being scrubbed and bare ground dug in preparation for Spring. In the main garden we are still clearing up fallen and broken branches from the snow, the final round (hopefully) of leaf clearance is nearly completed, streams have been cleared out, the canal pond is being drained ready for essential wall repairs and the final few sculptures from last autumn’s ‘Beyond Limits’ are being removed. Next we will start on essential tree safety work, cutting back over grown plantings, re-vamping tired areas and the planting of a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials.
You can see from the picture just some of the damage the snow has caused; Cedars have a dense covering of needles and brittle wood and are therefore particularly susceptible!
Steve Porter
Acting Head of Gardens and Domain, Chatsworth
