*Picture: Copyright_ShaunFellows_SHINE-PIX-LTD-2.
Gardeners wanting to create an eco-friendly garden can now take a tour of a unique organic demonstration and learning garden.
Environmental gardening charity Garden Organic showcases how easy it is to create a sustainable garden at this pioneering growing space at Ryton, near Coventry.
The garden, which opens on March 16th – and then on selected days for pre-booked tours – demonstrates innovative and ecological ideas on how to make the most of your outdoor space, be it a garden, patio, balcony or windowsill. Everything is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, and the garden utilises plants which attract beneficial wildlife. Homemade compost and green manures nurture healthy soil.
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“Our garden features several unique areas including a large glasshouse and polytunnel, a four-bed veg garden following a crop rotation, a No Dig system trial area, and a container garden space,” explains Head Gardener Emma O’Neill.
“It’s also bursting with ornamental plants and flowers and seasonal fruits and vegetables including some more unusual varieties. A large proportion of these are selected from our renowned Heritage Seed Library (gardenorganic.org.uk/what-we-do/the-heritage-seed-library) – a must-see for all gardeners.”
What you can see in March
March is a great month to get advice from Garden Organic’s team of nationally-renowned experts about the beginning of the growing season.
“It’s the perfect time to mulch your beds – preferably with your own homemade compost,” says Emma. “And on the tour, you can get up close to our compost heaps and see how easy it is to make compost at home.
“You’ll also be able to view both ‘Dig’ and ‘No Dig’ beds and learn the pros and cons of each. Seed sowing also kicks off in March and you can gain top tips on sowing successfully. At Garden Organic, we’re all passionate about using good-quality peat-free seed compost.”
At this time of year, the garden will be starting to burst into colour with bright yellow daffodils, hellebores and cheerful Chaenomeles. Sixteen different varieties of comfrey will also be on display. This plant is the organic gardener’s best friend as it makes the most wonderful organic liquid fertiliser when mixed with water. You can learn how to make it and also about Garden Organic’s plans to host the national collection.
Visitors will be shown around the garden by one of the charity’s expert horticulturalists who will explain the organic principles and practices in place, including how the garden has been designed to support biodiversity and withstand weather extremes.
To find out garden open dates and to book your tour visit: gardenorganic.org.uk/get-involved/visit-our-garden
Members of Garden Organic can visit for free and non-members pay a small entrance charge of £7.50.
