Notes From The Garden – August 2025

Every month brings colour, texture and magic to our 300-acre grounds and gardens – and August in Northumberland was no different.

And as we begin a new month and a new season, our dedicated gardening team is out in all weathers preparing and pruning – ready for a spectacular show of autumn colour.

Here, the estate’s Head Gardener, Michael looks back on the month just gone in his Notes From the Garden for August.

Balance & Harmony

August greeted us with the wild forces of Storm Floris. Fortunately, there was no major damage, still the gardens had their share of tidying to do. Minor branches clung to the tree tops, and the roses and fragile Agastache “Blackadder” showed signs of wear. Sadly the central stone planter of sweet peas and petunias, nurtured from seed and close to my heart, suffered the most. Nevertheless the grounds were tidied and resolutely freshened up and we got on with the month’s jobs. 

In August our focus is on formative pruning, particularly for the yew hedges. By straightening the lines that create a formal framework, we highlight the vibrant flowers and lush foliage that spill out and thrive in our gardens.

As for the flower beds, there is much to be done. While it may feel counterintuitive to trim flowers in bloom, managing the more exuberant varieties is essential to ensure that their growth doesn’t overshadow the more delicate plants. Gentle pruning maintains order while subtly enhancing the overall balance and harmony of flowers at their peak of growth and bloom.

A Spectacular Show

This month’s standout blooms are undeniably the lovely Aster Divaricatus “Eastern Star,” with its plentiful delicate flowers, and the vibrant yellows of Rudbeckia Goldsturm “Black-eyed Susan” are striking and pleasing.

The Hydrangeas around The Keepers have also put on a spectacular show, promising to transition into beautiful shades of pink as the season progresses.

Autumn’s Dawn

The trees have been feeling the dry spell, shedding leaves in response to the winds, a subtle reminder that autumn is just around the corner.

As September comes we look forward to welcoming more guests into the gardens. The days still have enjoyable warmth and there is now often a refreshing coolness to cosy up and soak up the hazy sunsets.

Michael, Head Gardener 

Experience our Northumbrian grounds and beautifully tended gardens for yourself with a late Summer Escape stay. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2 to enjoy time to stroll the gardens and grounds in peace and comfort.