Tomato and Runner Bean hedging around the Vegetable Garden
The field behind the Old Stable block at the Old Vicarage, was probably used as a small paddock one hundred and fifty plus years ago, when it was built. The Victorian Kitchen garden, was probably outside the Kitchen and Scullery window at the back of The Old Vicarage.
As we do not have a horse and have converted the Old Stable Block into Orchard Cottage, it seemed good to redesignate each area and set the new boundaries. It is far too late in the year to plant hedging with the summer upon us, so instead, have initially planted a seasonal crop.
To the left you can see the back of the main house, wher ethe Old Kitchen Garden would have been. It has now moved into probably the area where the horse paddock was at the back and side of the Old Stable Block. You can see the Vegatable/fruit patch, which will increase in size over the next few years.The new border to the right of the Old Stable. This is where the hedge will be planted later in the year. The border will probably double to triple in width to allow further planting of flowers and bushes to compliment it.There are several openings. This will allow the gardens beyond to be seen. The Summerhouse will have its own garden and borders planted.All the tomatoes were started off in March in a cold outside room in the stable and then stood outside in May once the frost had passed.Three scaffold boards and a couple of builders trestles makes a good working area outside for potting up. The tomatoes are Alicante and also a cherry variety. On the Left of the Old Stable block I dug out the grass at the edge of the car park which was always awkward to keep trimmed.,This is now full of runner beans and sweet peas. I always like to break any hedging with gaps/walkways. You should always be intrigued and want to explore the next room/area of a garden.All started in a cold room outside and left outside to harden off.For cost effectiveness, I have chosen to use twine for the majority of the runner beans to climb up. Otherwise, I would have had to spend a small fortune on canes, hazel supports or netting. You can see my plumb line at the bottom of the picture. It’s embarrassing to not have a nice clean edge on the border.
The Old Vicarage B&B, Little Ouse 
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