Apley Walled Garden news

Swarm of bees in Apley Walled Garden

Apley Walled Garden, view down central path

Hundred House Hotel salad

Apley Walled Garden’s Head Gardener Phil Allen has just sent me an update. I can’t wait to go & see the gardens this weekend, as they look stunning on these sunny, warm evenings. He has staggered the potato varieties, so each month there will be a new one available. So far, we’ve had apache potatoes – the delicious little pink & white spotted ones. Now the International kidney potatoes are ready & the first lot went to Apley Farm Shop this morning, as did the first spring onions. He planted 1000 leeks today ready for the coming winter, as well as 400 celeriac.

He met with Melanie from the Apley Plant Centre to discuss a cutting garden (cut flowers) in Apley Walled Garden – what a great idea ! The Hundred House Hotel in Norton, very close to Apley Farm Shop, placed an order on Friday & their chef Stuart Phillips has just sent through this photo of a salad they made using Apley Walled Garden ingredients.

After so much effort, it must be incredibly frustrating that the squirrels have badly attacked the strawberries, reducing saleable quantities. Jason & Tom from Apley Estate Yard have been making steady progress on the glasshouse renovation.

Next Phil will continue to sow salads, coriander, carrots, cabbages, cauliflowers & many others. I’m helping him complete an illustrated crop report – adding photos whenever something is ready. The photos & advance availability dates will help chefs to place their orders.