Hotel owner Jane and gardener Elizabeth from Close to Earth are working together to create a haven for wildlife and guests alike, within the hotel’s three acres of gardens and woodland.
Our approach to the garden is to be guided by nature, letting the wildflowers grow, allowing the water to meander through the bog garden and encouraging the growth of mosses and lichens, which are important indicators of a temperate rainforest. Borrowdale is one of only a few areas like this left in the UK.
For added interest we are developing structures and shapes in the garden, such as ‘Raspberry Swirl’ and ‘Blueberry Hill’ where wild fruits grow, and the ‘Tea House’, a relaxing spot in which to enjoy refreshments while contemplating the beautiful azalea and crevice garden.
We try to be as self sufficient as possible, growing our own plants, composting our own garden cuttings and avoiding the use of all herbicides or pesticides. As a result we have seen a marked increase in the number and variety of wildlife species, from bees, butterflies and moths, tawny owls, woodpeckers and a whole range of garden birds, to the well loved red squirrels.
The garden is constantly changing so whatever the time of year there will always be interesting plants, creatures and structures waiting to be explored.