April in the garden has centred around Charlotte’s 200th birthday on the 21st of the month. Getting the garden ready for such a joyous occasion was a particular pleasure and it was also pleasing that the day was a fine, bright and sunny day.
There were many visitors to Haworth and to the various celebratory events being held around the Parsonage on the day, accompanied by a large interest from the media and others wishing to record the celebrations.
We did invest a little more than normal at this time of year to add some extra colour to the borders so early in the season. As, I think, everyone knows and feels the winter seems to have extended itself this year and coming into spring the temperatures have often been controlled by air from the Arctic. This has meant that plant growth and flowering generally has been restricted and later than usual. However, on the 21st we were quite pleased with the colour that was on show and hope and think that Charlotte too would have appreciated the display!
One small event that excited Jenny and I most from the garden point of view was the planting ceremony in the rear garden of the gift of a standard rose generously donated by David Austin Roses in memory of Charlotte. It is actually a rose called ‘Crocus’ which we were able to choose ourselves. We thought this most apt for Charlotte with it being slightly understated, but a very pretty creamy white colour. We were thinking of her likeness to the ‘Little Snowdrop’ as she was described on her wedding day.
Having had an enormously enjoyable day on the 21st we have slightly sat back in the garden since then as the Arctic winds have descended again! So we are now looking forward to some warmer temperatures and being able to see our ‘Charlotte’ flower in the summer where we will hope to publish some photographs.