Description

After decades of neglect, the Shermanbury Place estate was in a serious state of dilapidation and has recently been taken in hand by Antonia Boulsien. The house and gardens are now in the early stages of restoration to their former glory as a private home and as an events, education and arts venue. The 10 acre garden includes a walled Victorian kitchen garden, fruit orchards, a Victorian water garden, a herbaceous border, an alpine rockery, a rookery and topiary, much of which is being re-discovered and brought back to life.

This practical skills day will focus on getting the Kitchen Garden ready for Spring. There will be plenty of interesting jobs to get involved in:

Creating a no-dig bed from scratch (cardboard, compost, plant & sow)
Blackberry and grape vine wire fence installation and tying in
Sweet Pea & other climbing supports – natural wigwams and trellises from material on site
West Wall: feed and light prune fruit trees, replace missing one and uncover/plant up herb bed
Start brick edge laying (on the diagonal) in ‘Pig End’ where the pigs cleared the area of brambles and unearthed the old brick edging.

Please inform us in advance if there is anything you would particularly like to experience on the day from the options listed above. The day will start with a walk around the kitchen garden and discussion of projects with Yasmin and Antonia followed by two practical sessions either side of lunch.

The cost of the day will be £35 for members and £55 for non-members.

Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available but bring your own packed lunch. You will also need clean and sharp secateurs. Suitable footwear and gloves. Please note for garden hygiene we ask visitors to sanitise any tools and boots brought with them upon arrival (provided). Warm layers of clothing and wet weather gear if necessary.

Please read our Terms & Conditions for important information relating to our Standard Cancellation Policy.