New for 2008 is the Wildlife pond situated in the corner of the Orchard. We started digging in September 07, and over winter filled up by pumping water from the well. We used a geotextile liner which has a sandwiched layer of Bentonite Clay, for a natural look. This is meant to be self healing, and impermeable by moles and tree roots. The liner is covered by a foot of soil for planting into. It was very heavy to manoeuvre, and Derek heaved a huge sigh of relief when it was in place. It was so exciting when we spotted the first newt in May!

Also new for this year is the Rose Cutting Garden, a small area near the barns, which will provide wonderfully scented blooms for the house, and in future years I hope to be able to sell bunches of these on Open Garden days. The varieties are a mix of Hybrid Teas, English Roses and Old Shrub Roses, in a myriad of colours, all scented and all beautiful. I had such fun choosing these!

Another new feature this year is the Formal Pond. This is designed to be a tranquil area to sit and contemplate - too far away from the house to hear the 'phone ring.The colour theme is white and shell pink offset by silvery foliage. Plants here include the Weeping Pear, Lychnis Coronaria 'alba', Stachys Byzatina, Rosa 'Claire Austin' and 'Great Maiden's Blush'. The Loggia will eventually be clothed in vines (outdoor eating varieties). This area was still the children's play area in February so it's been a bit of a rush to get it looking presentable by June!