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
Share in Lady Gilbert’s love of roses, with this brief history
Roses are one of the most popular garden shrubs in the world. They’ve been grown since early civilisations, being grown in ancient Babylon, as well as in Chinese, Egyptian and Greek gardens, as far back as 500 BC. Lady Gilbert had a particular fondness for roses. She created a beautiful sunken rose garden within the grounds of Grim’s Dyke and … Read More
Top 10 Victorian flowers
The Victorians loved flowers. Not only did they use them to adorn their homes, they were also used to scent their toiletries and clothes, flowers also had hidden symbolism too. Many a Victorian sweetheart could send unwritten wording through their choice of floral bouquet. Here’s the top flowers of choice for the Victorians, along with what message they portrayed. #1: The … Read More