A sustaining belief
Flowers, vegetables, berries and fruit trees are an integral part of Brambleberry. We believe in being good stewards of the earth, which nurtures and sustains us all. There are always some flowers in bloom during the growing season at Brambleberry and guests enjoy organic berries and other produce from our gardens, along with apples from our trees. We welcome you to walk in our gardens, admire the flowers and take in the bounties that nature offers.
Vegetable Gardens
Our vegetable garden is fenced to discourage deer, rabbits and other wildlife from eating our produce. We use natural growing methods including mulch and organic fertilizer. We plant many heirloom and antique varieties. At least half of our food comes from our garden, preserved by canning or freezing for enjoyment year-round.
Broccoli, corn, squash and beets are some of the vegetables we grow. Companion planting is part of our garden plot, growing similar vegetable families together. We rotate four quadrants each year to minimize pest and viruses. We also plant vine crops in between rows of corn, maximizing space and deterring raccoons, who love sweet corn. Pictured right is the cylindra beet, a very dark and tasty heirloom variety.
Fruit Gardens
Some of our fruit harvest includes apples, strawberries and raspberries, all of which appear at our breakfast table. We also have rhubarb, currants, gooseberries, service berries, elderberries and Nanking cherries.
Herbs
We also grow many herbs, some of which are used for garnishes. Shown above are dill, tansy and purple basil.The basil is used to make pesto. The other herbs are oregano, chives and flat-leaved Italian parsley.Sage, borage and rosemary.
Flower Gardens
Mid to late June our flower borders are at their prime. Scarlett red peonies, pink roses and blue lupines display a riot of color. Foxgloves and Canterbury bells are planted amongst the roses for contrast in color. Johnson’s blue geranium and hosta bed. Bridal wreath and pink peony with rose campion growing in the foreground. A rose climbs up the porch railing. The flowers attract many of nature’s pollinators, including the butterfly on a lavender hyssop plant. Though difficult to grow here, lavender is an integral part of the English cottage garden. A recent addition is our pergola which is the center piece of our herb garden. Morning glories and grapevines cover the sides with foliage. This private nook is a great place to enjoy a bottle of wine, a picnic lunch or a quiet morning cup of coffee. A bee enjoys the nectar of a hollyhock flower. A fragrant English garden rose is the star of our cottage garden borders. Sheep figurines are nestled in the hosta bed. The Hansa rose is cold-climate hardy which makes it a good choice. A climbing honeysuckle and pink roses grace the porch stairs. Irises bloom in early June along our patio. Roses are underplanted with Russian sage. Chris serves as the head groundskeeper and Sherry is the head gardener. Chris mows the spacious lawns and the nature trails, which also requires chipping brush to mulch the woodland trail. Sherry tends the flower gardens and herb garden.