THE KITCHEN GARDEN
AT SQUIRE HOUSE GARDENS
 
Fall 2008 - First crop in new garden Fall 2009 - one year later, bountiful harvest!
|
 |
 |
 |
1. DESIGN
July 2008 - work began to turn lawn into a kitchen garden space. First we measured and next we drew a design plan. The size of the beds and width of the paths are a matter of geometry. The plan was staked out with string and adjustments made.
| 2. DECONSTRUCTION
Because of the large space and poor soil conditions, we excavated the entire area. Hiring heavy equipment allowed this part of the job to go quickly. However, in most residential situations, excavation can be done by hand with a shovel and wheelbarrow.
| 3. SOIL & FILL
Compacted limestone base was laid for the gravel paths. The raised bed vegetable planting areas were edged with cut limestone and filled with a special organic soil mixture that contains compost and black dirt. The old soil was loosened beneath and topped with 12 inches of soil mix.
|
 |  |  |
2. CHECKING THE WORK
The space feels right. The beds are easy to access and reach across. Wide paths allow a wheelbarrow and hoses. The center post sundial is directly centered in the long view from the
house windows. | 5. GARDEN ORNAMENT
A brass sundial tells time. Pots and seating are added to create the feeling of an outdoor room - a place to walk through and enjoy.
| 6. FIRST PLANTING
Early August, the construction was finished and a planting of herbs and vegetables was put in. A small harvest was achieved in the last months of the growing season.
|
| 
| 
First crop of lettuce, greens and garden peas. Renee's Garden
Seeds available for sale at Squire House Gardens.
|
7. VISUAL AXIS
The garden design has a strong axial views. With his
training as a designer in England, Squire House owner Martin Stern
favors this traditional approach. | 8. GARDEN GATE
Designed by Squire House owner,
Richard Meacock. The gate has a tree-like motif and allows visitors a
peek through from the street. Richard built new cedar supports for
vertically trellised crops, further utilizing garden space. | 9. SPRING 2009
Looking forward to the first full
season in the kitchen garden, The raised
bed soil warmed quickly allowing an early spring planting of lettuces,
peas and herbs.
|
10. SMALL SPACE PLANTS
An amazing amount of food can be produced in one season. Choose varieties suited to the space and use succession.
| 
Heirloom 'Brandywine' Tomatoes
fill the vertical trellis. Available in the plant nursery at SHG.
| 
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Healthy to eat, beautiful to look at. Buy 6-packs for 2.49 in the Squire House plant nursery in May. See our selection of edible plants for sale.
|
Parsley, chives and basil
fit nicely in container plantings.
| 
Scarlet Runner Beans from
Renee's Garden Seeds
| 
Kale nutritious and colorful from summer to fall freeze.
|
SHG GARDEN DESIGN
| • 651-436-8080 •
| WE PLAN GARDENS |
