Esholt Hall Gardens

11/08/2026

We are pleased to say the apothecary garden and the forest garden are pretty drought tolerant. Mediterranean herbs have done particularly well this year, especially the Fennel.
We have had a few dry frazzling plants in the raised beds, which is to be expected, as they dry out quickly.
All the forest garden is planted under a thick layer of woodchip. Mulching after watering is brilliant at suppressing weeds and keeping the soil moist.
I have documented the plants that have done especially well during this summer drought.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

So glad the rain has started, briefly. Things are holding on at Esholt if looking pretty parched.
Lots of early harvesting of pumpkins, onions & blackberries. Still harvesting for natural dyeing, herbal remedies and food crops. Natural dye plants to be used for the dyevolution project at Sunnybank Mills.
1. Buckthorn berries for dyeing
2. Dried Goldenrod for dyeing
3. Blackberries, raspberries & wineberries for eating 😋

28/07/2026

Things are still blooming, the fennel, leek flowers, mint flowers & oregano flowers are loving this dry weather. Everything would benefit from a good rain soaking.
We have some amazing accidental flower combos, I especially love the fennel & marshmallow flowers together pic.8

21/07/2026

A slow day of watering, scything, deadheading, harvesting & drying. Thank you to all the volunteers who came today 🙌

14/07/2026

Chris went to Esholt today and watered everything. He totally drained the 2nd IBC tank of collected rain water. Fingers crossed we get some rain, some time soon 🤞
Lots of bees and butterflies enjoying the Inula though!