Kitchen Garden Notes – The Cutting Garden, Nunnington Hall

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about our visit to Nunnington Hall. Now there is something I have been keeping from you. Hiding beyond the apple orchard and behind the Iris Garden is Nunnington Hall's very own kitchen garden known as The Cutting Garden.

Before we venture into The Cutting Garden I just had to share these grapes with you. They are grown on a wall in the orchard. Have you ever seen such a deep purple? The leaves almost camouflage the fruit. And yes, this is North Yorkshire!

As you go up the steps to The Cutting Garden one of the first things that you notice is that it isn't that big. With this in mind they operate a system of planting known as 'The Three Sisters Plant Guild'. Strangely for a property that dates mainly from the 17^th century this is an actually an ancient method first used by the Native American Mayans.

The 'Three Sisters' in this guild are squash, maize and beans. In The Cutting Garden these are represented by courgettes, sweetcorn and runner beans. This companion planting utilises the available space by growing three crops in one space but all three benefit each other and helps to increase yields. The courgettes grow at ground level and help to suppress weeds whilst retaining moisture. The sweetcorn grows above the courgettes and without taking up any more space. Finally the runner beans use the sweetcorn as a natural support. The nitrogen in the beans also seeps into the soil which benefits the other two plants.

Once the crops in this guild have grown and been picked the plants can then be dug up and put in the compost. This is something that is taken very seriously at Nunnington Hall as The Cutting Garden is managed organically and has been since it was opened in 2009. The rest of the gardens have been organic since 2002.

Any organic or indeed just plain thrifty gardener will know that a comfrey based liquid feed is an excellent way to ensure a good and health crop of vegetables. There is a dedicated patch for growing green fertilisers so the garden is self-sufficient upon itself.

There is a fine selection of produce waiting to be harvested. Carrots, beetroot, celeriac and onions are all ready to be pulled up and used in the Tearoom. It's a great endorsement for organic gardening.

With a nod to Nunnington's past the herb garden is known as the 'Apothecary Bed'. Herbs are probably used more now for culinary rather than medicinal purposes. To complete the natural feel to this garden the bench is simple affair made from fallen trees.

When we were looking round the Hall I was struck by how visitors were encouraged to join in with activities. The top floor of the house is dedicated to children and this is extended into the garden. Take the opportunity to make a mud pie or to play some giant garden games.

To complete the kitchen garden there is an area for growing flowers. All the cut flowers for the house can be sourced from the grounds. At this time of year the dahlias are looking supreme.

Now Peter, where did you get that carrot from?