Have you walked through the gardens lately, maybe stopped a moment to look around? The hand of a gardener is clearly to be seen in the swept steps, pruned shrubs and in places wholesale cutting back to reveal clear boundaries and long views. Seedling trees and shrubs are being gradually cleared away to reveal the large specimen trees in their glory. Trees more recently planted towards the eastern end are thriving and on their way to being specimens of the future. These special trees now carry identification labels thanks to the ongoing Tree Trail project with Shaldon School.

Friday 30th June will be a big day in the gardens as the village comes together to celebrate the official opening of the Castle. Plans are materialising for a specially commissioned drama and an amazing evening of music with lots more in the pipeline. Thinking caps on please and do get in touch with ideas and offers of help at shaldonbotanicals@gmail.com.

Coming back to the present we’d like to thank everyone who came along and joined in a working party during the year now gone, wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year and encourage anyone who thinks they might like to give it a try to come along. From January the volunteers will be joining Lisa and Gary for work days on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month – 10.30 at the Gardener’s Hut on the top path, booted and gloved and ready for work. Come and join us and help make a difference, or just have a gentle wander on a pleasant day to enjoy the enhanced surroundings.