Ruscus aculeatus Another unsuspecting plant I often see on my morning walk is butcher’s broom. It grows in patches as I walk through a once-tended Victorian woodland garden, cared for by the gardener of the old Victorian Gothic villa. A life that once was, with the names of those who lived and worked here known to me through the census. It is truly enchanting to walk through an old Victorian garden reclaimed by nature, following the same footsteps as the gardeners who came be

Uncovering forgotten paths, rediscovering history, and finding our way forward. Yesterday, I spent much of the day clearing a gravel path that runs around the back of the house. It had become so overgrown that you would hardly have known it was there. Grass and years of unchecked growth had swallowed it up, leaving little more than a vague suggestion that a path might once have existed beneath it all. It took time and a fair amount of hard work, but gradually the gravel began

One garden, many skills, and a tradition worth carrying forward. There was a time when the kitchen garden was at the heart of a country estate. Within its walls, the Head Gardener oversaw a world of growing and cultivation, bringing together vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers and an understanding of the plants that sustained both the household and the wider garden. It was a place of productivity, but also of knowledge, craftsmanship and creativity. Every plant had its place, e

Traditional Kitchen Gardener's Role The traditional kitchen gardener plays a vital role in the culinary landscape, often serving as the steward of heritage varieties and seasonal practices. This role encompasses not only the cultivation of vegetables and herbs but also the preservation of biodiversity and cultural practices tied to food production. Kitchen gardeners have historically been responsible for supplying fresh produce to households, ensuring that families have acce

My Fascination with Pressed Flowers There’s something truly magical about pressed flowers. They capture the essence of nature in a way that allows their beauty to be preserved for many years. My journey into the world of pressed flowers began in my kitchen garden, where I cultivate a variety of blooms. Each flower I collect tells a story, and the process of pressing them has become a cherished ritual in my life. The Beauty of Nature at Home By gathering flowers from my kitche

Embracing the New Season of Heritage Seeds As the new growing season unfolds, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation for the bounty that lies ahead. This year, I've decided to focus on cultivating heritage seeds, which not only connect me with the agricultural traditions of the past but also promise a diverse and flavourful harvest. Among my selections are 'Mescher lettuce' from the Heritage Seed Library, Batavia lettuce, 'Lubenham Broadbeans' also from the Heritage See