Broadacre is part wild, part ornamental and part Market Garden.  Our aim is to harmonise and integrate all these aspects of the estate.  We use no pesticides (bar occasional use of weed killer on paths around the house).  In the Market Garden area we use lots of compost and minimal amounts of chemical fertiliser.  Pests are controlled using barriers, biological control and manual removal.

We have been regenerating the orchard area, pruning some trees, removing others and replanting with new trees.  We have established bee-hives (as well as having one in the chimney!)

We have learned how to live with our wildlife, using cages to protect soft fruits, enviromesh to keep flea beetles and caterpillars at bay.

We are lucky enough to have a good-sized greenhouse for growing tomatoes, peppers & aubergines in the summer and a tasty range of winter salad stuff in the winter.

 

The requirements of the bees provide a rationale for making choices in the further development of the garden.  Where there is a choice, plants and trees that provide nectar and pollen for bees are planted in preference to those which are purely ornamental.  Places have been identified which are both sunny and sheltered and a special effort made to develop these with flowers that sustain the bees in early spring and late autumn.  We have been monitoring which flowers the bees actually visit regularly in an attempt to identify those plants with the greatest worth in this respect (see bee page)

 

We sell the fruit and veggies from our garden at  Bentley  Heath, Balsall Common and Wythall Country Markets.  Find details at:

Bee-friendly flower tub