The gardens are completely organic and we do not use artificial fertilizers or poisons. We make our own compost and also make a liquid plant food from comfrey (to provide potash) and stinging nettles (for nitrogen). We also use seaweed concentrate and have recently discovered rock dust, a nutrient-rich natural soil enhancer made from volcanic rock. All the grass clippings from the many lawns are combined with shredded paper to make a very effective autumn mulch for the beds. We are very keen to recycle as much as possible to preserve the earth’s precious resources.
The next project is to establish beehives in the orchard, and this should take place next Spring. The main reason for this is to give a much-needed helping hand to our ailing bee population, rather than for collecting honey.
