Since the last garden blog things have been progressing well. Even with the strange Spring and Summer weather, with snow in April, a mini heat wave in May and then rain throughout June and July, the garden has been offering produce in plentiful supply.

It has been a wonderful few months, with all the hard work starting to pay dividends and it’s been great to have so many visitors buying our produce.

We are now able to offer a range of fruit and veg boxes to suit your requirements; a small box for 1-2 people at £10, a medium family box at £15 and a large box for a growing family at £20.

With the huge amount of sowing, planting, weeding and harvesting going on at the moment the improvements to the infrastructure of the garden for example; the gates, paths, lawn and buildings is on hold until the growing season slows down. I have also had to be disciplined when walking from A to B, not to get waylaid and distracted by fixing, tidying or cutting back!

I have, however, started to do a little work on the top fruit tunnels (Apples, Pears, etc). Summer pruning is essential to coax them back into shape, which is a challenge after a few years of growing freely, whilst not necessarily productively.

It is encouraging and heart-warming to hear the comments from visitors both old and new, regarding the quality of produce and changes to this spectacular walled garden. it really does feel as though the sleeping giant is waking from its slumber.

If you are in the area, please do call in to the kitchen garden and say hello – you will be most welcome.

Richard Van De Peer

Kitchen Gardner