This time of year is wonderful; the rate of growth of the plants and grass slows down and, while we’re still doing plenty in the way of maintenance in the garden, the change of pace allows us all to tackle some other garden tasks.

At Uppark, these tasks consist of tweaking aspects of the planting and opening up views. Some of the plants have reached the end of their natural life and are replaced with cuttings taken from the original “parent” plant in order to preserve the style of planting.

The forming of “views” is a key area of our work. Uppark nestles deep within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the South Downs National Park. Whenever I’m out in the garden, visitors often comment on the rolling Sussex landscape and unspoilt views, unchanged by the passage of time. So, our “view forming” work is a way of making sure everyone has a chance to admire the surrounding countryside, even while sipping a cup of tea from our terrace!

Over the past few years, we’ve been slowly improving an area that used to screen our unsightly oil tanks. Those dark, oil-burning days are gone; we’re now the proud owners of a biomass heating system and locally sourced woodchip is our fuel.

We’ve gradually reduced the impact of the Portuguese laurel and we’ve brought new light into the area whilst retaining some shade. We’ve had to do this carefully because it’s also a windbreak and it lessens the impact of the winds blowing across the Downs.

We’re removing poorly formed seedlings which have become trees and lifting the lower branches of others to de-clutter the landscape. Come and see the beautiful views we’re creating and if you see a gardener, ask them what the points of interest are – for there are many!

Have a think about creating “view points” in your own garden, however big or small. We’re always happy to offer advice, so have a chat with an Uppark gardener when you next visit.