The Garden at Orchard Farmhouse B & B

Our garden was beautifully landscaped before we arrived.  Next we will begin to make it more wildlife friendly.  It is gardened organically, without the use of chemicals or pesticides, by our RHS trained gardener, Peter Salmon (Tel 07841 610346) and Simon Keyte of "Milk and Honey, Eco Gardens" (Tel 07807 035435).   We also plan for it to be "ultra-organic", using no inputs from outside at all if possible, not even organic fertiliser or compost that comes from outside our boundary. 

(Taken early April 2009)

Traditional farmhouse garden

In the old days, farmhouses often had a garden at the front where they welcomed visitors. Here we grow herbs in a spiral constructed by Simon. It sits on the sandy outcrop that is Wonston. There is a view into the distance of the Dorset hills on one side and a beautiful listed building opposite.

The Terrace.      

The terrace provides an opportunity for our bed and breakfast guests to bask in the sun and enjoy the full panorama of the view.  Beyond is a "ha-ha", a construction used in grander houses than Orchard Farmhouse, to give the sense of a long garden that extends from the house into fields where animals graze. 

The croquet lawn

The croquet lawn is not flat but it is of a decent size.  The slope adds to the fun, so long as you are not of the highest championship standard! 

The orchard

The orchard is a mix of apple, pear, plum and greengage.  Laid out in an extensive manner, we will are allowing a wildflower meadow to develop.

The vegetable patch

An organic bed and breakfast may not require a lot of vegetable growing but it is here that we grow the rest of our vegetables, not counting those in the community garden. 

The paddock

The paddock is where one day we hope chickens will graze, under the old orchard.  You might also find a sheep grazing amongst the trees.  We have two Portland sheep.