One the great pleasure in June is that the dogwood tree in Knebworth House’s Wilderness Garden is fully in bloom. How magnificent it is! With its white flowers, even in a black and white photo, how spectacular it looks. Martha’s family in Alabama had a tradition of always planting a dogwood tree when one of their Great Danes died. But the name does not refer to dogs. Its etymology is thought to be from the word dag, or skewer, as the hardness of the wood made it popular to use for butchers’ skewers. The wood was apparently also used for crucifixion crosses. One wishes that the name and uses of such a beautiful tree had more beautiful origins.
I can assure you however that Dog Fest – which returns to Knebworth Park on 7th & 8th June – is wholly about dogs. 6000 of them are expected. Dog Fest has beautiful origins – as an event to celebrate every aspect of dogs and dog companionship – and that too will be a beautiful sight this June. So come join us this month in going to the dogs in Knebworth Park and Gardens!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
@HenryCobboldKH