Chenies Manor House
While Chenies Manor is closed to visitors during the winter months, December has been a time of steady progress and careful preparation across the grounds.
As the gardens settle into their winter rest, our team has been working behind the scenes to prepare for the seasons ahead.
Winter is an important period for the gardens, with much of the work carried out now laying the foundations for spring and summer displays.
Last month, bulb planting took place across key areas of the grounds, with myosotis planted in the kitchen garden. Here, they are being allowed to harden off before later being underplanted with the tulips in the Rose Garden and Sunken Garden. Holly is then used as a cover to keep squirrels away from the flower beds.
This is also the ideal time for fruit tree pruning. With the trees dormant, careful attention now helps promote healthy growth and ensures they are well shaped for the year ahead.
Inside the greenhouse, cuttings are already underway. Though still small, they represent the earliest stages of what will become colourful displays later in the year, requiring patience and close attention throughout the colder months.
A particular focus this winter has been the propagation of Argyranthemum, which will be planted alongside the dahlias in the White Border, Courtyard and Rose Border. Hundreds of plants are being carefully nurtured. Cuttings were taken back in September, when they were just tiny shoots, before being encouraged to root and grow under warm, protected conditions.
Once rooted, each plant has been potted individually and will remain under cover until April, once the risk of frost has passed, ready to be planted out into the gardens.
Much of this work has taken place under the watchful eye of the manor dogs, Tarka & Ziggy, who have been close by throughout December, quietly supervising garden tasks and accompanying the team as they move from job to job. Their familiar presence brings warmth and character to winter days at Chenies – even on the coldest mornings!!
Alongside the activity in the gardens, there has also been an exciting update to the White Room. This transformation marks a new chapter for the space, and we are looking forward to sharing it with you very soon. For the latest behind-the-scenes updates from around the manor, be sure to follow us on social media!
Although December may feel calm on the surface, it is a month full of care and preparation. Every task completed now helps ensure the gardens are ready to welcome visitors back when the seasons begin to change.