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Exploring the Magnificent Gardens of East Ruston Old Vicarage in Norfolk

Spread across 32 acres, this garden is a perfect blend of art and nature, with its stunning mix of exotic and traditional plant varieties. The East Ruston Old Vicarage offers a unique glimpse of what can be achieved through careful planning and cultivation.

The Dutch Garden is stunning with its symmetrical design and colourful bedding plants. This garden is adorned with antique garden ornaments such as statues, urns, and garden furniture. The well-maintained lawns and hedges add to the overall beauty of this garden.

The Kings Walk is an avenue of majestic lime trees that provide a beautiful canopy. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowering shrubs line the path, making it a favourite spot for a leisurely walk. Its serene and idyllic surroundings make it an ideal place for nature lovers to spend some time in the company of majestic trees and colourful blooms.

The Sunk Garden, located near the house, is a sunken garden with steps on both sides. This garden is divided into four sections, each with different planting schemes featuring a wide range of colourful flowers.

The Exotic Garden has a unique collection of plants, including hardy palms, bamboos and bananas, and is home to a variety of tropical and subtropical plants. This garden also has a pond area with a variety of aquatic plants.

The Woodland Garden is the oldest part of East Ruston Old Vicarage. It is characterized by a variety of trees such as oak, beech, and maple, along with a mix of flowering shrubs. The garden has a natural feel, with the paths winding through the woods, leading visitors to discover the hidden treasures within.

The Desert Wash features a variety of drought-tolerant plants, including cacti, desert succulents, and exotic shrubs. The garden is built on a slope that resembles the landscape of the Mojave Desert in the US, complete with a dry stream bed and rocks.

The Mediterranean Garden is a south-facing garden with a warm, sheltered microclimate that creates a perfect environment for Mediterranean plants such as olive trees and lavender. This garden also has an extensive collection of citrus trees that provide a refreshing aroma throughout the garden.

The Catalpa Garden features the rare and exotic “Katsura” tree, which is native to Japan. This seasonal tree emits a sweet caramel scent reminiscent of cotton candy or brown sugar. The garden is surrounded by a fence of cypress trees, creating a peaceful environment that radiates tranquillity.

The East Ruston Old Vicarage is a paradise on earth and a must-visit destination for any garden enthusiast. The well-manicured gardens are a testament to the owners’ love of horticulture and their passion for creating stunning landscapes.

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Patron Saint of Gardeners

The Saint Who Greened Thumbs: Celebrating St. Fiacre of Breuil, Patron Saint of Gardeners

We bring you the tale of St. Fiacre of Breuil, a hermit from Ireland who found his calling in France as a gardener and healer. Whether you are an amateur gardener or a seasoned horticulturist, we invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable patron saint of gardeners whose feast day falls on 30th August or 1st September.

St. Fiacre of Breuil was born in the 7th century in Ireland and soon found his calling as a hermit, living in solitude and contemplation. However, his reputation for piety and spiritual insight soon spread, and he became known as a wise and compassionate counsellor to people who sought his guidance. When he decided to move to France, his fame preceded him, and he was welcomed by the local people who recognized his spiritual gifts.

But what really set St. Fiacre apart was his love for all things green and growing. He had a natural talent for horticulture and soon gained a reputation as an expert gardener. He worked tirelessly to create gardens that were both beautiful and productive, experimenting with new varieties of fruits and vegetables and developing new techniques for nurturing plants. His gardens became a source of sustenance for the local people, and he began dispensing medicinal herbs and remedies to those in need.

As St. Fiacre’s reputation as a gardener and healer grew, he attracted disciples who wanted to learn from him and follow in his footsteps. He built a small chapel in his garden in Breuil, and it became a place of pilgrimage for people seeking healing and spiritual solace. He dedicated his life to serving others and worked tirelessly until his death in AD 670.

St. Fiacre’s legacy has endured for centuries, and he is celebrated as the patron saint of gardeners. His feast day is marked by gardeners all over the world, who see him as a source of inspiration and guidance. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there is much to learn from his wisdom and compassion. He reminds us that we are all stewards of the earth, and that we have a responsibility to care for it and nurture it for future generations.

St. Fiacre of Breuil is a shining example of how a love for nature and a commitment to service can change lives and transform the world. As we celebrate his feast day, let us pause for a moment and reflect on the importance of gardening and horticulture in our world. With each seed we plant, each flower we tend, and each harvest we reap, we are contributing to the well-being of our communities and the planet. Let us honour the memory of St. Fiacre by working to create gardens that are not only beautiful and productive but also sources of healing and hope for all.

National Garden Scheme

Gardening enthusiasts in the UK are in for an extraordinary treat as they can witness an impressive array of home gardens across the country, thanks to the National Garden Scheme. The scheme was launched in 1927 & is now boasting over 3,500 gardeners who participate in the event.

The gardens are open to everybody, from beginner gardeners who seek to learn & establish ideas, to well-seasoned cultivators who wish to exchange tips & share knowledge. The gardens in the scheme are often the product of many years of nurturing, detailed care & attention that have created a diverse range of landscapes for visitors to enjoy.

You can be assured of a unique experience at every garden as each garden provides a unique setting & experience. At one garden, you may behold an exotic collection of trees, while another may offer a beautifully tended herbaceous border or a sculptured landscape garden. The participants are always ready to provide insight into the history, layout & design of the garden, making for an interactive & educational experience.

Enjoy the beauty of gardens, but also a chance contribute to charity. Every year, the proceeds from the garden visits are donated to support vital nursing & health sectors like Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, & more.

The scheme also invites avid gardeners to open their gardens to the public & showcase their hard work & passion while sharing their expertise & ideas with like-minded enthusiasts. This way, the scheme has been successful in creating a community of people who share a love of gardening, exchange ideas & provide support to one another.

The NGS is an exciting & creative way to appreciate the art of gardening, while also contributing to charitable causes. It promotes a love for nature & shows the potential of gardening in enriching our lives in various ways. The scheme allows for interaction, sharing of knowledge, ideas & tips & provides an opportunity to learn at every step, from gardeners of all levels of experience. So, to those who haven’t yet, do visit one of these magnificent gardens this summer & experience the joy of nature while helping to make the world a better place.

Further Reading: Felbrigg Hall NT Walled Garden, Gooderstone Water Gardens, Oxburgh Hall Norfolk, The Vicarage East Ruston

Felbrigg Hall Norfolk – Walled Garden

If you love visiting gardens, then you will surely appreciate Felbrigg Hall’s walled garden, in the manner of a paradise garden, designed to evoke calm, reflection and contemplation. The National Trust has done an outstanding job maintaining it over the years, and it’s a must-visit garden for anyone looking for a little peace and tranquillity, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The walled garden at Felbrigg Hall has thoughtful and clever planting that feature a wide variety of plants, flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. It is quite expansive, and one section is separated by paths at right angles, which is a hallmark of a paradise garden. The four parterres in this area are meticulously maintained and are a testament to the skill and dedication of those who work at Felbrigg Hall. The fragrant herbs and flowers in the garden add another layer of sensory experience that’s both delightful and invigorating.

A paradise garden is believed to have originated from the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. In the book of Genesis, the garden is described as having a central spring feeding four rivers flowing out into the world beyond. The symbolism of the paradise garden is evident in the walled garden at Felbrigg, with its four distinct parts and abundance of delicious foods, and a beautiful lily pad covered pond. It’s no wonder that the garden is such a tranquil and peaceful space, perfect for those looking for a little serenity in their lives.

But this garden is noted for its dovecote. The dovecote, dating back to 1750, contains 968 holes, deeply recessed at the back, with each hole providing room for two nests. R.W Ketton Cremer, the owner of the estate, renovated the dovecote in 1923 to prevent it from falling into ruin. The latin inscription above the door records the work undertaken, which reads ‘HOC Columbarium Olim paene Delapsum Reparavit Et Ornavit RWKC’ – This dovecote, which then was in ruins, was repaired and decorated by RWKC.

An excellent example of the Headache Tree, Umbellularia Californica, can be found within the walls of this garden. Headache Trees originate from California and were introduced into Britain by David Douglas in 1829. Native Americans made poultices of Umbellularia leaves that were used to treat rheumatism and neuralgias. Tea was made from the leaves to treat stomach aches, colds, sore throats and to clear up mucus in the lungs. The leaves were steeped in hot water to make an infusion that was used to wash sores. The Pomo and Yuki tribes of Mendocino County treated headaches by placing a single leaf in the nostril or bathing the head with a laurel leaf infusion.

This garden also features a nuttery that includes Cobnut, Black Mulberry and Walnut Trees. The nuttery serves as a home for the bantams and the bee hives and are a testament to the garden’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to providing a thriving habitat for a wide variety of creatures.

The walled garden at Felbrigg Hall is a true masterpiece of garden design and a testament to the hard work and dedication of National Trust staff. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for a little peace and tranquillity in your life. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the walled garden at Felbrigg Hall is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Further Reading: Felbrigg Hall NT Walled Garden, Gooderstone Water Gardens, Oxburgh Hall Norfolk, The Vicarage East Ruston

Looking for Garden Visit Inspiration – take a look at National Garden Scheme

The Dandelion

“I think things should be growing abundant and dandelions should rule the world,”

Drew Barrymore.

Dandelions are in abundance from the end of April. This bright sunny flower is fast working its way back into the affections of gardeners after decades of generally being under attack, being branded a weed and as such being blasted with weed killer. But the Dandelion represents the sun (the flower), the moon (clocks) and the stars (dispersing seeds).

The French word for Dandelion means “pee the bed”. The English name “Dandelion” comes from “tooth of the lion” in French. The weed was given its name because of the way the leaves are etched — some people thought the leaves looked like a lion’s mouth. There are several ,superstitions involving dandelions, including making a wish and blowing off all the dandelion seeds to make a wish come true, through to picking a Dandelion will make you wet the bed.

But the Dandelion has much to offer. Indeed they are considered a Superfood and are some of the most nutritionally dense greens you can eat. They are far more nutritious than spinach or kale and are full of vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants: Vitamin A, C, E, K, B6, Beta Carotene, Folate, Thiamine, Ribofavin and Minerals; Potassium, Calcium and Manganese. In fact, a half-cup of dandelion greens has more calcium than a glass of milk!

The Dandelion leaves are diuretic which also replaces lost minerals naturally such as potassium. They can stabilize high blood pressure by removing fluid volume in the body. Its high volume of coumarins in the leaves help thing the blood allowing deposits and toxins to be freed up, moved on and eliminated. The leaves remove waste products via the kidneys and the roots remove them via the liver. When harvesting Dandelion Roots look for Dandelion rosettes emerging out of the soil in the early spring, before they’ve gone to flower. If the Dandelions have gone to flower the roots will have shrunk and will be bitter and woody because the as the plant has sent energy up to the flower.

Dandelion Uses:

Flowers and Leaves can be infused in Apple Cider Vinegar for a Spring Tonic.
Add Leaves & Petals to your salad. Can be used as a Garnish or in Pesto or Smoothies.
Make Fritters with whole Dandelion Flowers and a Pancake Mix.
Infuse into a base oil for a breast massage oil or for sore muscles.
Add flowers and leaves to your teapot for a delicious tea. For an improved brew add Cleavers and Nettles.
Dry the leaves to save for later use or tinctures.
Dry the flowers for later use in Teas. When drying the flowers, dry with the Sepal facing up otherwise they will turn into clocks.
Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee
They are delicious in stir fries or steamed veg or soups.
Try the buds pickled.
Make Dandelion Wine or Mead
Add to Cakes or Biscuits.
Make refreshing Dandelion Soda.
Make Dandelion blossom syrup/honey.
Use the stems as straws!

How to Keep Your Garden Plants Thriving in the Summer Heat with a Hosepipe Ban

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your garden. However, the heat can be damaging to your plants & keeping them healthy & thriving can be a challenge, especially when there is a hosepipe ban. Here are some easy tips to help you keep your plants hydrated & ensure that your garden remains a beautiful oasis throughout the summer.

Choose the right time to water your plants

One of the best ways to water your garden plants without violating the hosepipe ban is to use a watering can or a bucket. When picking the right time to water your plants, choose the cooler parts of the day – early morning or late afternoon. This will give your plants more time to absorb the water before the heat of the day sets in & the water is likely to evaporate.

Use mulch in your garden

Mulch is a fantastic way to reduce moisture loss & keep your garden plants hydrated for longer. Mulch is usually made from decaying leaves, bark, or compost, placed on top of your soil & provides your plants with essential nutrients & moisture. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, so your plants have fewer competitors for water.

If you want to save time and energy while keeping your garden plants hydrated during the hosepipe ban, consider installing a drip irrigation system. This is a system where your plants are watered through a network of pipes that deliver water directly to their roots. Drip irrigation systems ensure that water is used efficiently, while minimising water loss due to evaporation.

Another way to make sure your plants can withstand the summer heat is to choose heat-tolerant varieties. These are plants that naturally grow in hot climates such as succulents. Adding these plants to your garden ensures that you have a more resilient garden that can withstand dry, hot conditions.

During the hosepipe ban, it’s important to use water wisely. Avoid using water for non-essential purposes, such as washing your car or watering your lawn. Instead, use water only for critical tasks such as watering your garden plants, pets or personal hygiene. Small amounts of water applied according to need can make all the difference in the health of your plants.

Keeping your garden plants thriving during the hot summer months is a challenge that requires a little careful planning and some light maintenance. Remember to choose the right time to water your plants, use mulch, consider drip irrigation, opt for heat-tolerant varieties & use water wisely.

Take a look at our great Watering Can Range

Gardening Activities for Children

School holidays are the perfect time for children to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. And what better way to keep them occupied than by getting them involved in a fun and rewarding activity like gardening? Not only will they learn a new skill, but gardening projects can also help children to develop their creativity, patience, and sense of responsibility. We explore some garden projects that are perfect for children during school holidays. These are all low cost activities that families can enjoy together.

Planting vegetables and herbs is a great way to get children interested in gardening. It’s also a fun way to teach them about sustainability and where their food comes from. Start by selecting some easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and parsley. Let children help with sowing the seeds, planting in the plants and watering them. Encourage them to keep track of the plants’ progress by taking photos or measuring their growth each week. Once the plants start producing, involve children in harvesting, cooking and eating their own homegrown food.

A sensory garden is a garden designed to engage all five senses – touch, smell, taste, sound and sight. It’s a great way to stimulate children’s curiosity and spark their imagination. Start by selecting some plants with interesting textures, smells and colours. Eg lavender can be used for its soothing aroma, while sunflowers can be enjoyed for their vibrant colour. Herbs like mint and rosemary can also be planted for their fragrant scents. Encourage children to touch the plants, smell them and even taste some of the edible ones.

Building a bug hotel is another fun garden project that children can enjoy. A bug hotel is like a mini-hotel for insects, providing a safe and comfortable place for them to live and breed. Start by gathering some natural materials like twigs, leaves, pine cones, and bark. Then, create a simple structure like a box or a frame. Allow children to fill the structure with the natural materials, making sure to leave plenty of spaces and crevices for the insects to crawl into. Encourage children to observe the bug hotel over time and see what kind of insects move in.

Painting garden rocks is a fun and creative activity that children of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way to add some colour and personality to the garden while also giving children a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Start by gathering some smooth rocks of different sizes and shapes. Provide children with some paint, brushes, glitter and other decorative items. Encourage them to let their imaginations run wild and create unique designs on each rock. Once the rocks are dry, find a suitable spot in the garden to display them.

Creating a fairy garden is a magical and enchanting project that children will love. It’s a garden designed to attract fairies and other mythical creatures, providing a sense of wonder and imagination. Start by selecting some small plants like miniature ferns, succulents, and moss. Then, add some miniature objects like fairy houses, bridges, and animals. Encourage children to add their own personal touch by creating unique features like fairy doorways or hidden treasures.

Gardening is a great way to keep children active, engaged, and learning during school holidays. These garden projects are perfect for families in the UK who are looking for free and fun activities to enjoy together. By involving children in gardening, we can encourage them to develop new skills, creativity, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. So, whether you’re planting vegetables, building bug hotels or creating fairy gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in the garden.

Take a look at our Children’s Gardening Tools

Further Reading: Children’s Gardening Week

Some Plants to Use in Your Garden to Attract Wildlife

As gardeners, we have a unique opportunity to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. By including plants that attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife, we can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Cat Mint – Nepeta Racemosa is a great option for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Not only is it beautiful with its purple flowers, but it also has a lovely scent. This plant is easy to grow and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Dutch Lavender – Lavandula intermedia Gros Bleu is a classic garden plant known for its beautiful scent and lovely purple flowers. Dutch Lavender is a hardy variety that attracts bees and butterflies. It needs full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.

Pussy Willow – Salix Capraea is a shrub that produces fuzzy catkins in the spring. These catkins provide food for early emerging bees and butterflies. This shrub is easy to grow and can tolerate wet soil conditions.

Marjoram – Origanum vulgare herb is a great option for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. It produces beautiful pink flowers in the summer and has a lovely scent. Marjoram is easy to grow and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Giant Hyssop – Agastache foeniculum is a beautiful plant with purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It’s also a great source of nectar. This plant needs full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.

Buddleia – Buddleja davidii is commonly known as the butterfly bush, Buddleia is a must-have for any wildlife garden. Its long, fragrant blooms are irresistible to butterflies and moths, while also attracting bees and other pollinators. Moreover, the dense, bushy habit of Buddleia provides excellent cover for smaller wildlife such as mice and birds.

Sunflowers – Helianthus are a great choice for not only providing a bold splash of colour in your garden but also for attracting birds and bees. The large, open flowers and plentiful seeds are particularly appealing to species such as goldfinches and house sparrows. Additionally, sunflowers can also attract bees and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any wildlife garden.

Ivy – Hedera helix is often considered a nuisance plant, ivy can actually be incredibly beneficial to wildlife. As a late-flowering plant, ivy provides a vital source of nectar and pollen in the autumn months when other plants have finished blooming. Additionally, the dense foliage of ivy can provide vital shelter for birds and insects throughout the year.

Including wildlife-friendly plants in your garden is not only a fantastic way to promote biodiversity, but it also provides a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature from your own backyard. By planting a selection of the top plants we have covered, you can create a space that is not only visually stunning but also serves as a valuable habitat for local wildlife.

Further Reading: Helping Wildlife this Winter, Your Role in Garden Wildlife

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How to Preserve Chillis and Extend Their Shelf Life

If you’re an avid chilli lover, then you know how important it is to preserve your chillies and extend their shelf life. Whether you’ve grown them yourself or purchased them from a store, preserving your chillies not only ensures that they stay fresh for a longer period but also allows you to have a steady supply throughout the year.

Freezing Chillis

When it comes to preserving chillies, freezing is one of the easiest and most effective methods. If you’ve got a surplus of chillies or you’re worried about them going bad, then freezing them is a great option. All you need to do is wash the peppers and dry them thoroughly before placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag. For best results, consider cutting them into smaller pieces before freezing. This way, you can easily use just the amount you need and they will defrost quickly.

Drying Chillies

Drying is another popular way to preserve chillies. To dry chillies, simply string them together using a needle and thread and hang them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated room. Alternatively, you can use an oven, dehydrator, or microwave to dry them. Dried chillies can be ground into a powder and used as a spice or left whole to be rehydrated and used in cooking.

Pickling Chillies

Pickling is a great way to preserve chillies while also adding flavour. There are many different pickling recipes out there, but the most basic one involves boiling vinegar, water, and salt before pouring it over the peppers in a jar. You can also add herbs and spices to the mix, depending on your personal preference. Pickled chillies are delicious on sandwiches, burgers, and tacos and can also be used as a garnish.

Canning Chillies

Canning involves sealing chillies in a jar with vinegar or oil and sterilizing them in boiling water. While canning requires some equipment and know-how, it’s one of the best ways to preserve chillies for long periods of time. Canned chillies can be used as a topping, in dips, or in chilli sauces.

Keeping Chillis Fresh

If you’re not quite ready to preserve your chillies, there are still some things you can do to extend their shelf life. Keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can help prevent them from spoiling. You can also store them in the refrigerator for a week or two. Additionally, placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana can help absorb any excess moisture and keep them fresh for longer.

Preserving chillies is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and extend their shelf life. Whether you’re freezing, drying, pickling, or canning, each method has its unique benefits and can help you retain the flavour and heat of your chillies. So, go ahead and try preserving some of your chillies and enjoy your favourite spicy dishes all year round.

Further Reading: Troubleshooting Chilli Problems

Try our SowItGrowItandFeast Grow Chillies Pack

The Art of Olla: An Essential Guide for Gardeners

If you are looking for a simple yet effective way to effectively water your garden, an olla may be the perfect solution for you! Ollas are an ancient and environmentally friendly method of irrigation that gardeners have been using for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the use of an olla can be a real game-changer. In this blog post, we will dive into what ollas are, how they work, and how to use them in your gardening practice.

Ollas are unglazed, porous clay pots that have been used for irrigation purposes for over 4,000 years. They are a traditional irrigation tool used mainly in arid regions to water plants without wasting a drop. Ollas have been used mainly by garden enthusiasts who want an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to watering methods like the sprinkler system or the garden hose.

If you are not familiar with the concept of olla irrigation, here’s how it works: you bury the olla in the ground near the roots of the plant or shrub you want to water. You then fill the pot with water, and the unglazed clay gradually releases moisture into the surrounding soil. The plant roots then absorb the water as needed, and the soil remains moist and fertile.

One of the best things about ollas is that they work well with almost any type of soil. Whether you have sandy soils, clay soils or loam, ollas will help regulate the moisture content of the soil and ensure that your plants get the water they need to thrive.

In terms of maintenance, caring for ollas is easy peasy. You don’t have to clean them regularly. When the seasons change or when you want to move the pots, it’s a good idea to soak the ollas in water for several hours to soften the clay and prevent any cracking.

When it comes to using ollas in your garden, it’s crucial to consider a few essential tips. For instance, you want to choose the right size of olla for your plants. A general rule of thumb is one olla per every two or three plants in the ground. That way, you can ensure adequate water distribution without leaving any plants parched.

Ollas are a fantastic invention that have stood the test of time. They offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution to traditional watering methods and are versatile enough to use in almost any garden setting. By following the simple guidelines outlined in this blog post, you’ll master the art of olla irrigation in no time, and your plants will thank you for it!

Further Reading: How to Keep your Garden Plants Thriving in the Summer Heat