Our Garden Focus in November

In November, we’re fully focused on readying Helmingham Hall Gardens for winter and the season ahead. High on the list are rose pruning, training, and lifting tender plants like dahlias and salvias for overwintering, as well as harvesting crops like carrots, celeriac, and beetroot. Potatoes, typically stored for winter, were especially popular this year with both the family and visitors, so there’s none left to tuck away!

We’re cutting back and refining the borders in preparation for our annual bulb planting, which begins in mid-November and continues through to Christmas, weather permitting. With around 18,000 bulbs to plant—including new areas designated for spring blooms—we’re eagerly anticipating a vibrant display next season. This year, our student Christie is contributing her own touch to the bulb displays as part of her training, developing her style while staying true to Helmingham’s established aesthetic.

We’ll also be planting hardy annuals such as Agrostemma ‘Ocean Pearl’ and Delphinium requienii, expected to bloom by next June. Other varieties, like poppies, Orlaya, and Antirrhinums, will be planted in March once they’re more robust. Additional tasks include sowing sweet peas under cold glass, drying Amaranthus and Helichrysum, and introducing new trees and shrubs. Our new cold frames will be arriving soon, giving us even more flexibility for future growing.