Mid May Blog

Discussions are taking place of how businesses can open up with social distancing in mind. John and I have been discussing our options at Tumblins. We are fortunate in having space. When the weather is perfect for breakfast on the terrace, we have a choice of three terraces with tables. We can stagger breakfast timings so that guests are at different stages so those helping themselves to fruit salad and cereals do not have to mix and we can have a one-way system in the dining room. Hot meals can be served on a trolley and guests can help themselves from the trolley. The dining room table sits twelve comfortably which means that we can organise dinner enfamille whilst distancing indoors. The top terrace sits six as does the bottom terrace so with a bit of juggling it would be possible to continue to provide that service.

All bedrooms are ensuit and only the pink bedroom, at this time, does not have a television, but that can be organised. Using the outdoor space would also not be an issue and guests can easily distance themselves from each other whilst walking in the garden or having a dip in the lake. If anyone has any queries about how we can achieve this safely, once we are allowed to open, please email us and we will do our best to answer your concerns. Dorset has been lucky so far, having few major towns and being very rural, it has not been difficult for most people to quarantine themselves safely. Long may that last.

With summer having arrived in April the garden is looking lovely and the roses are all opening. We have a lot and I will attempt to take a picture of all the different ones as they look wonderful for you to enjoy. We have now lived here for fourteen years and the garden is our design and planted by us and is now maturing which is very rewarding. We have planted a new border which we have called the Covid curve, as it was planted during our quarantine. It curves round near the lake and has hydrangeas and hebes to provide colour throughout the year. It will take a few years to fill out but will provide a positive reminder of these times. The second orchard which is very young at four years, is beginning to take shape and we look like getting quite a lot of fruit from it this year. The main orchard is covered in fruit and the peach tree has eleven peaches, its first-year fruiting. The big peach tree planted to the east of the garden is covered in fruit which are swelling nicely. The Apricot did flower for the first time this year but sadly nothing set.

We look like having a fabulous crop of figs. Freshly picked figs at breakfast are delicious. The summer raspberries are covered in flower as is the tayberry. We aim to grow too much fruit so that we can share some of it with the birds. Blackbirds adore fruit and can get very territorial over redcurrants which they gorge on given the first opportunity. The globe artichokes are looking good and we have grown a new variety from seed which won’t be productive until next year. They are a beautiful plant as well as providing something delicious to eat, perfect.