Introducing our new head gardener, Lou Nicholls, who has taken over responsibility for our Victorian walled garden and 45 acres.

“The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies.” So said Gertrude Jekyll, and based on Lou’s 25 years of experience in horticulture, we’re confident our new head gardener feels the same. But where did Lou’s passion come from? 

“I grew up gardening. My granddad taught me how to grow veg, and my mum taught me about ornamentals. Our house was always filled with cut flowers from our own garden. While every windowsill was covered in houseplants, and in the spring, my dad would add tomatoes to their already overcrowded surfaces.”

You’ve helped create and nurture many remarkable gardens. Can you tell us a bit about your experience?

“I worked as a head gardener in a wonderful spot called Ulting Wick, which is a National Garden Scheme. I was at Sissinghurst Castle for five years, where we created an organic veg garden, starting with an empty field. We planted a bountiful orchard, as well as veg beds growing every crop imaginable throughout the year. We introduced a “no-dig” system and educated volunteers, school groups and the public about growing quality organic food.

With 45 acres and a walled garden at the centre of the estate, there’s a lot to do here! Can you tell us a bit about what’s on the gardening agenda?

“Well, right now, I’m mulching and tying raspberry canes, harvesting rhubarb, and I’ve put the broad beans in.

Some dry weather is giving us the chance to improve the hard landscaping around Smoke and The Bakery. With more visitors to these areas than originally anticipated, we’ll be working hard on the approach and parking, to reflect the destination the garden is becoming.

Plus, it’s finally occurred to me that I’m not just curating a garden but rebuilding it, which is so exciting! For example, we currently have two magnolias onsite, but on Saturday I bought three more. We’ll add these to our fabulous woodland, that’s full of holm and turkey oaks, sequoia and acers, and I’ll propagate as much as I can from cuttings.”

What about the bigger picture?

“I think this is my most exciting adventure yet! I’m developing an organically run walled garden to supply innovative, award-winning restaurants and a bakery, while restoring the woodland and Victorian parkland to create a magical retreat for our guests. What could be better?

As an estate, everyone is committed to making the walled garden a central part of the experience, bringing people closer to the food they eat. So we’ll also be introducing training courses on pruning and organic gardening in the not-too-distant future. I’ve done a fair bit of public speaking, workshops and open days in the past, and really enjoy teaching people how easy gardening can be.”

And with 45 acres, Lou is always on the look out for volunteers. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, looking to learn new skills and gain experience in a organic garden, or simply looking for a sociable, outdoor activity to enjoy, Lou would love to hear from you.

Green fingered or want to be? If you’re able to get to us on a weekday, and commit around two hours, most weeks, Lou is a great teacher, who will share her decades of experience, as she shapes the future of the estate. Interested? Contact loujnicholls@gmail.com. We’ll supply the biscuits!

Pictured: Walled garden with Grace & Savour restaurant; Lou Nicholls; View over walled garden from Grace & Savour restaurant