I have restored 2 walled kitchen gardens. One in Scotland has walls 3.5 metres high on a level site is situated in Aberdeenshire. Surrounded by trees it is well sheltered from high winds. The south wall of the garden is low, about 1 metre with railings on top of the wall to protect the garden from vermin, such as deer. This also allows for reasonable air flow and more sunlight to reach the garden. The other in Surrey, here the garden was on a rather steep slope and angled a few degrees west so as to catch the sun on the wall fruit. Being built over chalk this did have problems with the fruit, both trees and bushes due to the high alkoline content of the soil. Bush crops were reasonable but some of the tree fruit did suffer, more so the apples.
Outstanding success was had under glass for not only the fruit – peaches, nectarines, but also melons and pineapples. A large collection of orchids provided a wonderful display all year round, especially so during the winter months from November to April.
Trials of over 120 different varieties of tomatoes proved great fun and interest. If you need any advice about just how to run and/ or restore a walled kitchen garden then do contact Barry using the links below.
