Grim’s Dyke is an attraction to many of our visitors. Not only does it have a rich history, but the building architecture and garden design also play a big part in that attraction. However, another reason Grim’s Dyke is popular is down to the wonderful wildlife the grounds attract. Whether you’re a bird watcher, nature lover, entomologist or keen wildlife … Read More
The Victorian Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden at Grim’s Dyke supplies us with fresh fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs for our restaurant guests. It also provides a rich environment for wild bees, insects and animals. During Gilbert’s time, this wouldn’t have been any different. The Victorian kitchen garden was a true work of art, run by its king – the head gardener. He … Read More
The Benefits of Honouring The Natural Growing Seasons
The traditional way of honouring the natural growing seasons is something many of us have forgotten. With so much choice available to us throughout the year, it’s understandable that many no longer remember what is in season. The only time you get an indication that your fruit and veg is out of season is by its latest price tag! However, … Read More
10 Facts About The Beautiful Wisteria Plant
Wisteria, is the beautiful, delicate scented climber that graces many a wall here in the UK. Ideal for training up structures, pergolas and trees, it’s a popular plant and loved by many. Our own is located outside the Library Bar & Terrace and is admired by staff and guests alike – it is a truly gorgeous example of this beautiful … Read More
March Gardening – A Seasonal Garden
March Gardening – A Seasonal Garden. As spring approaches, us British gardeners are eagerly preparing our plots for the new growing season.
Winter Gardening – 7 Essential Tasks
Whether you’re a casual gardener or green fingered expert, there’s always a job to do even in the winter months. And winter gardening, in actual fact, can make a huge difference to your success come spring and summer. Here are our seven essential gardening tasks to get ahead in the winter months: #1: Clean Pots The quieter winter months give … Read More
10 Reasons Why We Love Tulips
Take a look outside your window. Summer is well and truly here! And that means balmy evenings in beer gardens, gathering round the barbecue with friends and giving our gardens the TLC they’ve been sorely missing in the colder, wetter months. And if you’re looking to inject some quintessential summer cheer into your garden, you could do much worse than … Read More
10 facts about Alliums
Bees and butterflies love alliums, as do many gardeners. Deer and rabbit, however, tend to shy away from them – and that could be due to the rather pungent aroma they can give off if the stems are broken! Alliums look stunning when planted in borders, beds and pots. However, they look their most spectacular when planted in groups. They’re … Read More
A brief history of Victorian herbalism
Herbalism or botanical medicine is one of the oldest traditions around. The Egyptians used herbs for medicine, as did indigenous healers around the world. In Britain, herbalism can be traced back thousands of years. The British Library has a copy of a ‘leech book’ – thought to date back as far as the 800s CE! Medieval lay healers used herbs, … Read More
Traditional picnics – the Victorian way
Picnics, the ideal opportunity to meet up with friends and family, enjoy an informal yet tasty meal, whilst having fun in the great outdoors. Wealthy landowners loved a good picnic, as it gave them the chance to sit and enjoy the scenery their estates gave them. However, it was the Victorians who brought picnics to the masses. Their popularity was, … Read More