Wildlife, Herbs & Heritage: Inside Jemima's Kitchen Garden

Wildlife, Herbs & Heritage: Inside Jemima’s Kitchen Garden 6 August 2025

Tucked inside the Walled Garden, Jemima’s Kitchen Garden is a peaceful space, thoughtfully reimagined to grow naturally – supporting everything from fragrant herbs to the tiniest wild residents. As part of its careful refurbishment, new planting is underway and thoughtful touches are beginning to take shape. While it’s not open just yet, we’re sharing an exclusive sneak peek at what’s growing, and how we’re caring for the wildlife that calls it home.

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Feeding the Garden, Naturally

It all starts with comfrey, a leafy vibrant plant with deep-reaching roots and vibrant purple flowers. Known for its ability to draw nutrients from the soil, we use comfrey to create rich compost and liquid fertiliser.

Solitary bees at work

Just opposite the gabion seating, you can catch a glimpse of our little bee house. These solitary bees are peaceful, focused pollinators that help keep our garden blooming. They may not live in hives or make honey, but they’re vital to the cycle of life here.

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bank voles in residence

Move slowly and you might just catch sight of a bank vole darting between the beds. Often mistaken for mice, these fast voles help our garden with seed dispersal and are an important part of our eco-system.

Hidden haven for garden wildlife

Jemima’s Kitchen Garden is home to two wildlife ponds. At the back of the main pond lies a ‘hibernaculum’, a snug refuge made from logs, where frogs, toads and newts reside through winter into spring.

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Our secretive garden weasel

You might not spot it on your first visit, but our resident weasel is an early riser. Known for their speed and signature chirp, these elusive guests add to the morning routine for both gardeners and guests.

Chirpy little neighbours

Dotted through the kitchen garden are our unique bird boxes, handmade from recycled piping. They’ve proven especially popular with blue tits and robins, who flit in and out through the day.

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A Hedge good enough to eat

Towering and fragrant, our bay hedges are more than just pretty borders, they’re a working part of the kitchen. The glossy leaves are plucked year-round for use in our dishes.

Goldfinches’ Favourite feast

With their towering, thistle-like heads, our cardoons are loved by our local goldfinches. In winter, the birds feast on their seeds. Come spring, they return to gather tufts for nesting. It’s a small seasonal circle we’re proud to support.