Changes in the Wattle Woods
Naturally the Wattle Woods have changed over time. Paths have been moved, shrubs have been removed, and so on. But the trees themselves have provided the most drama. And lots of winter firewood for the house...
Fallen Wattle Tree
In the winter of 2006 we had a serious snow storm and whole Wattles broke under the weight of the wet snow. So a huge area of the Wattle Woods had to be replanted. A great excuse for new paths and new shrubs and trees (a golden Pseudopanax, a red Maple, a lacy leafed Gleditsia, a purple leafed Prunus, plus Hebes and roses).
Working in the Wattle Woods
The old plum tree which had provided such beautiful white spring blossom died very slowly - possibly because someone (me) planted the tenacious rambling rose Alberic Barbier to grow through it. Not one of my successes. They both had to be chain-sawed down.
More trees down...
Over the years all the other wattle trees fell down, crashing dramatically and breaking things underneath - Camellias, Rhododendrons, and even my lovely glass-house. Oh dear! But one of the saddest demises in the Wattle Woods has been that of the wriggling little stream and small ponds lower down behind Pond Cottage. The water course is still there, complete with little footbridges, but the water supply has not been running for a while now. Originally it was provided by a water wheel, then later by two beautiful orange river pumps. Maybe someday they'll be fixed and the water can flow again. I really loved it.
The Wattle Woods
Be careful wandering on the paths - some have been re-routed since your last visit, and part of the main path has had to be decommissioned, due to excessive shrub growth. You wouldn't want to wander off into the greenery and get lost...
Escher in the Wattle Woods