Seasons come, seasons go - but Doug remains

At every site, both in the UK and overseas, great care and attention is paid to planting the right plants, installing the right architectural features – and constantly maintaining, augmenting and improving what’s there. “Tinkering”, you could call it. We prefer “fine-tuning”.

Doug Wood has been fine-tuning the gardens at Sibton Park in Kent for 30 years or more – starting way before HPB ever bought its Grade II*-listed Queen Anne mansion.

In fact it’s a bit of a double-act; Doug’s wife Sue works in the house itself and, like her husband, has been at Sibton pretty much all her working life.

Bondholders holidaying at Sibton make a point of asking Doug’s advice on what to do, and when, in their own gardens – and he is always happy to help.

Autumn is a quiet time of year, gardening-wise – but as Doug points out, there are still jobs to do…

“Ever shortening days, wet and windy weather and trees shedding their leaves – all characteristics of November, as colour in the borders begins to fade.

“With December and the approach of winter the garden takes on an air of quietness. After all the activity of spring, summer and autumn, there is now an absence of urgency, a calm repose.

“Cold but clear wintry days may be used to tackle those jobs which are forgotten during busier times. Trees and shrubs that overhang or obstruct paths may be pruned back to give ease of access. Ditches, gulleys and drains cleaned out and kept clear will prevent a build-up of surface water during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Apply wood preservative to garden seats and sheds, and structures such as pergolas, archways and trellises.

“Above all, get out there! Autumn and winter can be a magical time in the garden; just wrap up warm, keep a hot mug of tea close to hand – and keep busy!”