Gardening Group - Working with Water

Jackwood House Garden

Sunday 22nd February 2026

Nine volunteers spent Sunday morning in Jackwood House Garden, with water very much on our minds. Rain threatened in the forecast for the session (but thankfully stayed away), and the ground was already waterlogged after a wet winter. Careful planning helped us make progress without damaging the garden.

Our first task was to use some of the recently coppiced binders to repair a damaged low-level hazel fence. This fence protects a prominent bed from trampling, and reusing natural materials from the site keeps the garden both sustainable and visually in keeping with its surroundings.

Volunteers then carefully removed fallen leaves from the beds, taking particular care not to compact the sodden soil — either within the beds themselves or on the surrounding grass paths. Leaving soil uncompacted is especially important at this time of year, as it protects soil structure, drainage and the tiny organisms that keep it healthy.

A small group headed up to the terrace to pop up young thistles emerging in the beds and to repair the gutter brush that prevents leaves blocking our limited water supply. While checking the system, we noticed an imbalance between the water butts: one pair was completely full, while another was only a third full. To maximise our rainwater harvesting while rainfall is still regular, buckets were used to even out capacity across the system.

Once these practical jobs were complete, we returned to a border containing several mature flowering shrubs. Brambles were removed and thick ivy cut back, helping to reduce competition and allowing light and air to reach the plants beneath.

Despite the winter conditions, the garden is quietly coming to life. Hellebores, snowdrops, crocuses and cyclamen are all currently in flower, and while seed heads have been left standing for wildlife — including reports of two goldcrests in the garden — fresh new growth can already be spotted at ground level.

It was a thoughtful, careful session that balanced progress with protection, ensuring the garden is ready for the burst of growth that spring will soon bring.

Our next session will be Friday 13th March, 2pm when we will be pruning the roses in Castle Wood Rose Garden. If you'd like to join us please email Christine oxleas.volunteers@gmail.com