Peckover House, Wisbech, all summer

Despite the long drought, there is plenty to be happy about in the garden of Peckover House this summer. Not only has the garden team gained two new members, but a new installation has been created too, to commemorate a very important anniversary. Joining Senior Gardener Jenny Windsor are newcomers Patsy Bigley and George Meredith, who are enjoying their work at Peckover. George’s gardening experience comes from recent work at Sedgebrook Manor and Patsy has gained RHS level 2 in horticulture. As well as all the extra watering needed

in the garden at the moment to combat the dry conditions, they find there is a new feature in the courtyard to care for. To mark this year’s seventieth anniversay of the house and garden coming to the National Trust, and in keeping with this season’s art theme, the garden team have created a vertical garden. This unusual, clever and vibrant feature welcomes visitors as they first turn the

corner into the courtyard. “We started working on the idea last year,” said senior gardener, Jenny, “working out how best to succeed with plants in a vertical frame. With the help of our garden handyman, Richard Norman, the frame was made and planted up, and we are pleased to see how well the plants have grown.” There is another garden team member who must not be forgtten. Following the death at Christmas 2016 of one of Peckover’s beloved cats, Damson, a new cat has arrived to take her place. Another black cat, Penrose, has joined the very friendly tabby, Algernon. Together, they are continuing the long tradition of greeting visitors and making them feel at home.