Every year in summer the cloister looks rather magical with an array of colourful hanging baskets complementing the grey beams and stonework and, of course, the beautiful moulded lead roof.
Today, members of our Gardening Group planted up the baskets ready to establish and grow, now that the weather is warming up during the days. As early as this in May, however, we are unlikely to have quite seen the last of the night frosts: it is too soon to hang the baskets up, fully exposed to the elements. For now they have been positioned off the ground, sheltered by the roof and will perch there for the next three weeks or so. This year each basket has been planted up with a geranium, trailing fuschia, petunias and trailing lobelia. All are in the red, blue, purple part of the spectrum and will pack powerful punches of colour from July onwards.
In addition, four troughs were refreshed and again placed at the base of the lion statue. This provides long-lasting greenery and seasonal colour.
Lastly, if you look closely, vibrant orange flowers can be seen in one of the photos below, in two tall pots to the left of the lion. They are drooping now but these are our glorious orange Campbell tulips, planted by the group three years ago.
