I can hardly believe that 6 weeks have gone by since I wrote the first, update for our "Latest News" page. But how much has happened there certainly hasn’t been a dull moment. Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of working with R &R services our local tree surgeons and landscape gardeners who have made light work of what could have been a very traumatic time. They have been punctual, tidy, efficient and courteous, not only meeting their estimated deadlines but beating them. We have had more than twenty trees taken down and all went without a hitch, the most exciting being the 100 foot Cupressus macrocarpa, (Monterey cypress). I took over 500 photographs some of which are on this page to view. I do however own up to the fact that it was Ben, one of the tree surgeons, who took some pictures from the top, not me!!! So there are some wonderful, unique views of Halberton and the surrounding area. I think we will have to have to have a slide show at some point.
Work has now begun on the landscaping of the ´Cloister Garth´. ´The Physic Garden´ and the, ´Native Woodland area´.. All the concrete slabs are being removed, most of these are being used by local people so as little as possible is going into landfill. Some are on their way to Cullompton Cubs for their patio area. We also managed to find local homes for the aluminium greenhouses. We are lucky enough to have the help of a local metal detector and archaeologist, but nothing very exciting has turned up yet. Watch this space...
The next stages in the garden will be starting next week when, weather permitting, we will be planting up the native woodland area and taking delivery of our new cedar greenhouse and potting shed. We have also just commissioned Warren Hughes of Tiverton to start work on a medieval arbour which will be constructed traditionally. This will create a cloistered effect for growing early varieties of roses and some vines for shade. The arbour is to be made of chestnut, which is the wood which would have been used because of its ability to resist water and therefore hopefully will last longer, without the need to be treated.
We are advertised in the Wessex Muse this month and will be in the, Devon Today, magazine for April. Although we are hoping to be opening for B&B in the early summer, we cannot as yet put any firm dates to this as there have been a few hold ups with bathroom and kitchen refurbishments, but nothing too serious.