The first of September this year marks the start of meteorological autumn but with careful planning the garden can go on performing for some months to come.  This late summer display relies especially on exotics which are able to go on flowering despite the shorter day length.  Principal amongst the autumn showstoppers are dahlias, tuberous plants originating from Mexico.

Dahlias: Autumn’s Showstopper

Since their introduction to the UK from Spain in 1798, dahlias have been celebrated for their flamboyant blooms and striking foliage. Over the years they have been bred and now come in all shapes and sizes from the dark foliaged, orange flowered ‘David Howard’ to the Bishop series which are useful in pots or containers.  In the cutting garden we gave been growing a range of dahlias from the golden yellow ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ to the pompom dahlia ‘Wine Eyed Jill’ or the purple flowered ‘Crème de Cassis’.

Also in the cutting garden and growing very much like a dahlia are Yacon, a tuberous rooted perennial vegetable, the name means ‘water root’ in the Aztec language.  It is perhaps the largest tuber that can be grown in the UK and has a sweet crisp texture somewhat like a water chestnut.

Unusual Edibles and Seasonal Delights

At Goldstone, we seek unique edibles to enhance our award-winning restaurant’s offerings. On the Ellerton terrace, we grow Tropaeolum tuberosum, a climbing nasturtium from the Andes. This plant displays vibrant orange flowers in summer, with its tubers providing a winter starch.

Familiar Staples and Culinary Treasures

Our poly tunnel yields ripe tomatoes perfect for our renowned Goldstone breakfast, while our grape harvest has been transformed into fresh juice.

The grapes have also been heavily laden this year and have been pressed into juice at the Goldstone press.

The apples and pears are ripening beautifully, with the Bramley apple crop promising a delectable tarte tatin. Sweet dessert varieties are also being used for apple sauce and juice.

The brassicas are looking splendid and have been keeping the kitchen suppled with greens and will continue to do so whilst the borlotti beans, both dwarf and climbing, are displaying their red specked pods, a sure sign that the beans inside are nearly mature.  These can be dried and stored and used to add a creamy texture to soups, stews and other dishes.

Ongoing Garden Tasks

Routine tasks include trimming the leylandii hedge and maintaining topiary. Roses, especially the ‘Super Trouper’, continue to bloom with warm orange and red tones, brightening the garden as the light wanes.

Goldstone Gardens: A Feast for the Senses

Though the meteorologists may tell us it is autumn, and it may even feel like that at times the garden, Goldstone is full of exiting ingredients either as a feast for the eye or the stomach.  Whether it be the flamboyant, the unusual, or the more familiar, you are sure to find something delightful at Goldstone this month.

Join Us in the Garden 

Join us for our popular Taste of Series this September!

We’ve also got a few spaces left on our Taste of  Spice event where you can join Sarah and I on a walk and talk tour, followed by a delicious seasonal and spicy tasting lunch. Click here for more information and to book.

Also, don’t miss our garden updates on our new Youtube channel, see here.

Warm wishes from Ross and the Garden Team

A Georgian manor house and restaurant with 12 comfortable bedrooms overlooking the rolling tree-strewn hills of the North Shropshire countryside. Boasting 5 acres of award-winning gardens, including a productive one-acre kitchen garden.

Located in the ‘Golden Garden Triangle’ close to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Hodnet Hall Gardens & Dorothy Clive Garden.  

A warm welcome awaits you.

Find out more about the hotel and garden opening times here.