Friday 22 October 2010

The Pumpkin Tree



Over the last couple of days I have been set a rather strange task: to put a dozen large pumpkins into a tree near the maze! This is ready for ‘Get Squashed in the Gardens’ taking place during October half term. Kids will be following a trail which leads them to a Beech tree which has had pumpkins wired onto it. The pumpkin required me and Simon climbing a triple rung ladder and wiring them securely into place – this needed a strong head for heights.

There is also a neighbouring tree which has been dressed with cobwebs, spiders, bats and other spooky stuff ready for Hallowe'en. I climbed up here on a rope and harness to fix them into place. The overall effect is pretty striking and I can imagine the children being impressed with it, when they come in from tomorrow.

The other gardeners have been working hard on putting together a display of pumpkins and squashes in one of the glasshouses. There are hundreds, of various shapes and sizes – it’s nice to see all the produce set out like this.

It’s surprising what tasks you get asked to do at Tatton, but it is great to have a change from time to time!