As I write these notes Storm Claudia is battering the trees and the rain teeming down.

But there is masses going on both in preparing for the new season and a busy Christmas but no spoilers here except to say 15 Christmas trees have been ordered to get us in the Christmas mood and decorate Goldstone including the six in various bedrooms. Your own Christmas tree?  Yes, really, all decorated and sparkly.

In the garden, Sarah is busy, the dahlias, banana and cannas are lifted and drying in the polytunnel, the Herb walkway is being tidied and some of the sprawling herbs brought back into control. The new “ Westcott walk” is taking shape with the base of the dry garden prepared on the western side and trellising in place ready to receive the crab apples which will stand over the trial vineyard.

The dog woods which live on the Eastern side of the circular car park are beginning to come into their own with vivid green, red and flame red stems appearing as the leaves drop. The holly berries are perfect and the ever reliable variegated holly close to the Front door is covered.

On the walled herbaceous border, the hardy fuchsia and pink salvia combo is stunning and the Kniphofia Happy Halloween which we discovered in Ludlow last week has settled in and the wonderful orange pokers provide a stunning contrast. This is a great find and more will follow to add colour at this late part of the season.

Watch out for garlic planting which is scheduled for late November and on the banks to the vineyard and under the Cherry trees at the bottom of the lawn over a thousand primroses, cowslips and Cyclamen have been planted in the grass and will hopefully start to do their thing. Keep your eye on them as it is surprising what a little winter sun will do encourage these little stunners.

Wrap up, sensible shoes and plenty to see and Sue, Hannah ( 4 year old Grand daughter) and I circumnavigated the Shroppie walk yesterday. What a feat of 19th century engineering which has turned into peaceful and beautiful walk from the hotel. Clever chap that Thomas Telford.

John Cushing 14th November 2025