Long Crichel Gardens

Vegetables, flowers and herbs

Opposite the bakery on the other side of the lane that runs through the village, our vegetable, fruit and herb garden has now spread beyond the original walled garden, into the adjacent field. The original walled garden probably dates back to the 18th century when the rectory was built, but it could be older. As is the tradition, a nine-foot cob wall provides shelter on the North, East and West sides. Until eleven years ago, the walled garden had been abandoned to a few old apple trees; they were interesting old varieties but were long passed their prime in terms of fruit production. There was not a vegetable in sight.

It was with Tom Petherick that we first laid the plans for the new walled garden and five years later we received Soil Association Certification. With the help of volunteers the walls were rebuilt according to original method of construction using chalk and materials found on the site.

In 2001 after Tom moved back to Cornwall (Helligan), we met Anni Sax and it was soon decided that she would take over the entire organisation and running of garden. Anni set about her work with incredible enthusiasm, energy and skill. With help of friends and volunteers she has achieved a remarkable all year round garden incorporating poly-tunnels for Winter leaves and early vegetables.

She also took up the challenge first set by Tom, to grow more vegetables in the adjacent field; winning the battle against the notorious bind weed. It is now a beautiful vegetable, flower and herb garden.

In July 2007, Maxime Marchand arrived to work with us in the bakery. Before training to be an organic baker, he had worked as a Biodynamic farmer. He divides his time between the bakery and the garden. He has brought strength and skill and knowledge that have been invaluable. The garden is more productive than ever and is run on biodynamic principles.

We now grow vegetables and fruit including blackcurrants, rhubarb, winter leeks, cabbages, chard, spinach, chicory, kale,"cavallo nero", brussels sprouts, hamburg, parsley and salsify. Over in the poly-tunnels, there is a wide range of salad leaves.

We are also developing the herb garden with Luzia Barclay, a qualified herbalist. She grows medicinal herbs, which are then dried out for making infusions. Luzia also makes tinctures and creams and runs workshops in the garden. Visit her website to find out about upcoming courses: www.herbsforhealing.org.uk.

Both Anni in the garden and the bakery team were involved in The Edible Playground project whereby local schoolchildren came to visit, learn, explore and cook the food they found around them: