Weeds, box and the grotto

We had another work session this week and continued the endless battle against the weeds. The bed on the north side of the garden was cleared again. I can’t remember how many times it has been done this summer – the weeds seem to flourish there – especially this year.
The ivy was cleared off the little grotto in the rectangular pond which can now be seen for the first time for several years.
I noticed that signs of box-blight in the two hedges in the garden area between the house and Pound Street. Neither of these are historic – they were put there about 20 years ago. We were thinking of removing one and replacing it with a plant bed. The future of the other was the subject of some debate but it seems that nature is going to take the decision for us.

The pots on the wall outside the drawing room are still flourishing

The newly cleared grotto in the rectangular pond