Rhododendrons make for a splendid display in any formal garden. These evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs flower between late winter through to early summer, granting us a beautiful backdrop of large, delicate, exotic-looking flowers. Not only did Lady Gilbert love them, here’s 10 reasons why we do too! #1: Planting Rhododendrons takes some planning Lady Gilbert planted her Rhododendrons … 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
Summer Wellness Retreat at Grim’s Dyke
Tucked away in 40 acres of tranquil gardens and ancient woodland, the historic Grim’s Dyke Hotel offers a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. This June, it becomes something even more special as the setting for a truly restorative Summer Wellness Retreat. Join us from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2025, where guests are invited to step … Read More
Ten Simple Organic Gardening Tips
Here at Grim’s Dyke we’re big advocates of organic gardening. Not only does it help us grow produce to contribute to some of the amazing dishes in our restaurant, it’s also great for the environment. If you’re looking to go organic, here’s our top ten tips to help make your organic gardening easier. #1: Water in the morning This gives … Read More
Flowers & Their Secret Language
Known as floriography, the cryptic message of flowers has been used for thousands of years. The Victorians especially, loved how they could use flowers to send small bouquets (or nosegays) of coded messages to their loved ones. These flowers could be worn or carried as fashion statements, whilst the message itself could be decoded with a bit of patience and … Read More
Grim’s Dyke House and Gardens
Grim’s Dyke House and Gardens stands as a fascinating piece of Victorian heritage nestled in Harrow Weald. Designed by Richard Norman Shaw and built in 1872 for the painter Frederick Goodall, this Grade II listed mansion has a rich history steeped in art, horticulture and theatrical fame. The Artist Connection Frederick Goodall, a successful genre painter, purchased the land in … Read More
Snowdrops – 10 surprising facts about these dainty little flowers
One of the first signs of spring, the snowdrop is one of our most endearing flowers. Not only does it remind us that spring is just around the corner, this delicate bell-shaped flower, has an interesting background. Here’s 10 things you didn’t know about snowdrops: #1: It’s Greek name ‘Galanthus’, translates as the ‘milk flower’! Known by several different names, … Read More
Corporate Creativity at Grim’s Dyke Hotel
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, corporate creativity and fresh thinking are the keys to success. But sometimes, the best ideas don’t come from a boardroom. They come from a change of scenery. That’s where Grim’s Dyke Hotel steps in. Nestled in 40 acres of stunning gardens and woodlands, the hotel is just outside London. It offers businesses a unique retreat … Read More
Enjoy A Romantic Valentine’s Day Weekend
Valentine’s Day gives you the perfect opportunity to organise a surprise for your loved one, and the idea of a romantic weekend away is one of the most favoured of surprises. However, we often think these weekend surprises take a lot of organisation, as well as a long timeline; but this isn’t always the case. Here at Grim’s Dyke, we … Read More
Squirrels at Grim’s Dyke
If you happened to be invited by Sir W.S. Gilbert, to a party at Grim’s Dyke during the Victorian era, you’d stand a good chance of seeing several squirrels running around the grounds. Red squirrels were a common sight, in the 1800’s. Today, you will still see squirrels running around the grounds – but they’ll be of the grey variety. … Read More