The garden

This south west sloping site was transformed by Charles Wade into individual garden rooms, each with their own style. Being unable to see the whole garden at once lends it a certain mystery and intrigue. The garden contains various architectural features and a profusion of colourful and scented flowers and plants. Most of the gates and garden furniture are painted in ‘Wade Blue’, a colour Charles himself developed. He believed there was no green paint to better nature’s own greens.

Following organic principles

Anne Coombes, predecessor of the current Gardener in Charge, instigated the programme of organic gardening at Snowshill. It has continued for 14 years. We use no chemicals at all in the two-acre garden, but rely on the wildlife to maintain a natural balance.

If a plant has a long-term problem, such as black spot on roses, it is best to replace it with a more resistant variety. Quantities of compost and leaf mould are made every year to keep the soil in good heart. Natural feeds are used, seaweed extract, blood fish and bone, and our own compost has an added 'secret' ingredient, the guano from the Dovecote. The paving is hand weeded, and bees and beneficial insects tempted into the garden by nectar rich plants, such as asters, echium, marigolds, sedum, alliums and mignonette, then feed on the aphids and other pests.

Kitchen Garden

This area was used as part vegetable and part flower growing plot until recently, when it was turned into an intensive vegetable garden. All the produce is grown primarily for consumption in the property restaurant. Orders from the kitchen are taken most days so produce is fresh. As the growing area is small, quick growing vegetables are best. Vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, french beans, courgettes, spinach, carrots and runner beans and sunflowers for height. All are rotated year by year and surrounded by Calendula officinalis and African marigold whose flowers attract beneficial insects that feed off any pests.

Wildlife

Wildlife at Snowshill has increased tremendously over the last 8 years for two reasons:

• Planting
  Areas along the visitor route to the manor have been planted with British native shrubs; sloe, hawthorn, wild privet, Guelder Rose, wild roses, hazel, random yew and holly, field maple, dog wood, spindle berry, elderberry and many more. All are beneficial either because they produce early blossom, nuts or fruits or provide habitat. With this area so close to the manor garden itself the wildlife must also find the natural food reserves there.

• Habitat provision
  Insect boxes have been provided for solitary bees, ladybirds, lacewings and any other insects in need of shelter. Old clay drainage pipes situated around the medieval fish pond and damp areas contain the frogs and toads. Piles of stone provide shelter and cover for all sorts of small mammals and invertebrates. Fallen ash trunks are left as habitat and food sources for more animals and insects.