We’re having a wonderful time with tawny owls at Poulstone this month! Last year we bought some night viewing binoculars and we think word had got round in the garden because no wildlife was ever to be seen whenever we went out!! We kept hearing them calling after dark and went out to take a look. We have been able to watch them whenever we’ve gone out at night this week. And they have been watching us – from the Wellingtonia tree, from the cherry tree in the walled garden, from the telegraph poles and from the roof of the house! We’ve seen them in flight and we were also amazed to see one of the three pouncing on worms on the back lawn! Very exciting!
Of course, lots of birds are nesting around Poulstone at the moment but we were particularly delighted to find not only a swallows nest in the open garage but a wren’s nest too – the tiny babies are almost spherical! We have to remember not to put the light on in there after dark so nobody gets woken up.
The garden’s enjoying lots of rain and we had two thunderstorms with pink sheet lightning this week. In between times, it’s been sunny and fresh and we’ve been out gardening and enjoying walks along the Wye in this break before the next groups start coming. A pair of swans down by the bridge have cygnets already.
Our cut flower beds are yielding some nice offerings for the dining tables. Favourites at the moment are white and pink irises, purple salvia, nigella and the blousy peonies are making their brief but lovely appearance. Around the side of the house by the group room, the white roses are out in profusion and our dream of rose scent coming in through the open windows has arrived at last!
Manda will be back with us on Friday (www.mandascott.co.uk) and then two massage groups at the end of June and beginning of July – Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork (www.bristolmassage.co.uk) and their Worcester branch which has just got large enough to bring their group here. We’re looking forward to seeing them all.
More soon
Mel & Steve
Poulstone Court Retreat Centre