The Walled Garden has been full of activity over the half term holiday from autumn family photos and rotten apple races, to our Autumn and Halloween trail and exotic animal experiences, it’s been a week to remember! Our teams have been super busy behind the scenes as usual, and we’ve got lots coming up too.

Now it’s November, our staff will be working with (and sometimes against…) the elements to make sure the gardens have a peaceful winter sleep. They have been preparing beds and trees so that when they wake in the spring, they have everything they need to flourish over the season.

“The students have been helping us with the Willows in Animal Acre by the stream. Each winter they are pollarded to keep them at a manageable size and when spring comes, they will look great.” –  Head Gardener Martin Mellersh

Elsewhere in the gardens, the EMA students have been doing more winter prep on the Kitchen Garden, making sure the last few beds are dug over and ready for planting more vegetables and herbs next year. Soon, they will start to help weave the willows along Willow Walk, which is really getting a nice shape. It’s a tricky process but every year our students have been fantastic in the upkeep of this area.

Our Garden Team has also been working on the hedges around the Square Garden. Recent visitors will see many flowers in the Square Garden are just about holding on and giving us a little more colour well into mid to late autumn!

Martin added: “We have some Nerines flowering along the wall near the Kitchen Garden at the moment. Next spring, we plan to lift, split, and replant them so they can spread even further.”

During half term, the EMA campus at The Walled Garden received a brand-new classroom. After removing an older building recently, the team were happy to see the new 30ft x 10ft structure arrive safe and sound. It was a big operation, but the on-site team spent the week getting the room ready for our students to use when they return after half-term.

Animal Acre

Chrissy has welcomed some new creatures into the Bug Shed recently. Firstly, a Blue Tongued Skink arrived and is settling in well. It’s around one year old and gets its name from its blue tongue, but we’re not too sure if it’s a boy or a girl. It loves to snack on small insects, fruit and veg, and has been known to show a bit of attitude at times!

After asking our social media followers for some suggestions, Chrissy decided to name it Solomon! Thank you to Geraldine Moore for putting the name forward.

Another new resident is our Praying Mantis. It’s only a couple of months old and is half the size of an adult index finger, but it will soon grow! Chrissy brought in a baby as these alien-like bugs normally only live for between 1 – 1.5 years. This gives her and the EMA students a chance to really get to know it, watch it grow and learn about its life cycle.

“It’s been a busy October half term. All our Bug and Exotic Animal sessions sold out! These visitors all got to meet Solomon, and the Praying Mantis, along with our Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons and some of my Giant Vietnamese Stick insects.

“I’m in the process of planning our next sessions for December so please watch out on our social media pages for date when they’re announced!” – Chrissy

Tried the new menu yet?

Don’t forget! Our latest menu is available now in the café. We’ve had some wonderful feedback so far, with the Gallo Pinto, and Shakshuka being among the favourites for those coming for lunch. Have you tried it out yet? Stop by and see us this month to taste it for yourselves!

What’s Coming Up – and The Festive Season!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Autumn and Halloween trail over the half term holidays, and for all your fantastic photos from our autumn photo sofa! We’ve loved seeing so many families making the most of the crisp sunshine in here in Moreton. Loolking ahead… it’s almost that time of year… how’s your diary looking?

Book Now for your FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS!

From Saturday 29th November, you can add a little sparkle to your day – perfect for a cosy catch-up with friends, or treat for a loved one.

You’ll be served a selection of freshly made divine finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings alongside some luxurious sweet treats and pastries, plus a pot of your favourite tea.

Our Wreath Making Workshops are now all SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket. We’re excited to get crafting wreaths with you at the end of the month.

On Sunday 7^th December, our Christmas Market returns! From 10am to 3pm we’ll have a selection of fantastic local businesses setting up in our gardens ready to help you tick off your Christmas gift shopping list! We’ll have Carol Singers, Bratwurst and Mulled Wine to give our visitors a festive shopping trip!

At the time of writing, we’re putting the finishing touches on some further festive season announcements! We’ll be hosting some Goat Walks, Crafts for little ones, and festive themes bug and exotic animal experiences! Stay tuned for official announcements this month!

Thanks as always for choosing to visit the Walled Garden and Dovecote Café this season. The wheels don’t stop turning, we’re open 7 days a week, and look forward to seeing you in November and December!

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 Recent Reviews – thank you for your kind words!

“Thank you so much to everyone who helped on Saturday. It was such a lovely afternoon, so many guests commented on how lovely the room was and how delicious the food was. The Mum to-be loved it and your team made everything so plain sailing. I will be recommending you to friends for any future events!” – Function Booking

“Food was hot and tasty I had the all day breakfast which I can whole heartily recommend great stop if your doing the Lawrence of Arabia trail.” – via Google

“A great place with a special atmosphere. Recommended” – via Google

  “Very good food and a very good day at the garden we will definitely came back 🙂” – Via Google