Blooming June at the holiday cottage

We came back from holiday to a jungle. Out came the mower and the strimmer and now we have a jungle with clearings.

The holiday cottage terrace is buzzing with activity. Not from holiday guests but from the bees that are loving the pyracanthus flowers.  I have been pruning it a little to keep it in shape.

Flowering pyracanthus being lightly chopped.

And so a decision has to be made...
... is this the year to chop back the hebe? It had a major, to the ground, chopping when we put in the terrace a few years ago. Since then it has pleasantly regrown and reformed. Suddenly, it is a giant bush that is obscuring the view over the valley from the kitchen window. The other factor in this decision is that my husband is in outside mode with garden implements in hand. He just needs directing towards the hebe....

Hebe - about to be majorly chopped??

... today could be the day to chop the hebe. I'll let you know!

For those that actually know something about gardening and are planning a holiday in the Churnet Valley or near Alton Towers, may I suggest Consall Hall Gardens and the National Trust's Biddulph Grange.

Alton Towers - and the rest . . .

As you will see from the lovely review that was recently posted by a guest on our Facebook page, there is plenty to do around here other than go to Alton Towers.  And thanks to Taryn, you don't just have to take our word for it.  Her suggestions are great.  Consall Hall Gardens is proving very popular and I still haven't made it there, which is shameful.  Blackbrook Zoo is a little gem - mostly birds and the entertaining penguins, although I hear that Mrs Meerkat is expecting some offspring any day now.

If you need any help planning your stay in this area, please let me know.

And by the way, please stay in touch with us.... join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/barks.holiday.cottage or chatter with us on Twitter if that is your thing @ChurnetValley

Self catering experts

Our guests this year have been lovely.

So far we haven't had the die-hard Alton Towers fans that spend three solid days over at our neighbouring attraction.  Some families have dropped the children at Alton Towers and then nipped around some of our nearby National Trust properties. 

We are hearing great things about Consall Hall Gardens this year.  We had a guest with limited mobility and she enjoyed a fabulous guided tour there on a buggy; guided by the owner.   

Trentham Gardens is again proving to be a major highlight and guests are keen that I recommend it to others - so I am!  Last week's guests wanted to get a flavour of the area and were discussing Dovedale and in passing asked if Dovedale and the Stepping Stones has nearby retail . . . well, not really! Just the National Trust shop and the ice-cream van.  So I directed them to Trentham Gardens and everyone came back happy.

There is something for everyone!  It is nearly the concert at Alton Towers so I expect the focus to shift back to good old ST10 4DB.