For the nature walk lovers and walkers staying in the Harrow Weald area, Grim’s Dyke is a perfect location. Not only do you have our own grounds to discover, but there’s also a few well-known nature walks around for you to explore the local flora and fauna. No matter what your walking abilities and experience, you can enjoy a pleasant … Read More
How to make your garden winter wildlife-friendly
Wildlife-friendly gardening is something we all aspire to do, especially here at Grim’s Dyke. We like to think we’re doing what we can, to help preserve our wildlife friends – and many of you feel the same. The key to a wildlife-friendly garden is to provide plenty to eat and safe hiding places for all kinds of wildlife visitors to … Read More
The Wildlife of Grim’s Dyke
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
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
A Brief History of the Victorian Glasshouse
The greenhouse, otherwise known as the Victorian glasshouse, became an iconic feature of british gardens during the Victorian era. As the Victorian’s love of gardening grew, the need to house their fragile, temperature controlled and valuable plants did too. The glasshouse provided a home for these species, whilst also paving the way for plant experimentation and cultivation. A status symbol … Read More