DownsMail Advertisement feature AN EXCITING FUTURE AHEAD
A year into its new ownership, Yalding Gardens is going from strength to strength.
Paul Smith (34) and fiancée Samantha Edwards (28) have
glory. This winter the gardening staff and volunteers have managed to get round and prune all of the climbers, roses and fruit trees ready for spring.
"We are particularly proud to have reopened the fruit cage, which had been closed and left to nature. It is now weeded and ready to supply the shop and cafe with cherries, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, apples,
breathed new life into the business - formerly known as Yalding Organic Gardens - since taking over the 10-acre Benover Road site in April 2010.
The couple - due to marry at Boughton Monchelsea Church on May 7 - wasted no time in making their mark by firstly refurbishing and renaming the cafe and farmshop, which is now called The Bushel Box.
Open seven days a week, it serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and occasionally has special evening dining events. "Our cream teas are gaining quite a reputation," said Paul, whose family has been farming at Loddington Farm in Linton, andWest Pike Fish Farm in Laddingford, since 1881.
pears and much more. The cafe is currently serving up the first of this season's rhubarb - poached in rose wine and served with ginger ice cream."
Samantha previously worked for Maidstone Museum as learning and access officer and has applied her skills at the
Players are performing Shakespeare play A Comedy of Errors.
gardening club and the Twyford Preschool came and planted daffodil bulbs around the children's garden, which are now being enjoyed.
Paul says the plans for the future are to increase the number of visitors to the gardens while retaining the special sense of calm and quiet that they offer.
This summer sees a series of underground dining evenings in association with Kent's first underground chef Hari Covert; open-air cinema showings; live music from the Cranbrook Town Band; and on Saturday July 9 the Hazlitt
Serves a range of delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.
We have a bespoke childrens corner in our cafe, complete with toys,
The gardens were opened by Maidstone's deputy Mayor Brian Mortimer last June. Paul added: "The summer was a great success and visitors came back to watch the restoration of the gardens to their former
games, colourings and activity sheets to keep little ones occupied.We also have highchairs and baby changing facilities available.
gardens through a huge range of educational activities for children, including pond dipping, bug hunting and building bee homes. The Yalding Primary School
01622 814650
www.yaldinggardens.org
Our British-engineered coffee machine serves up a triple certified (rainforest alliance, fair-trade and organic) cup of guilt free coffee.
The Bushel Box Farm Shop sells local seasonal produce and a range of gifts and books for lovers of good arts, crafts, and gardens.
All five acres of the gardens are organically maintained and much of the produce and ingredients are sourced from local producers and suppliers. Many of the gifts and cards available are from local artists and Paul is very glad to welcome Ann Long into the fold with her premium wools and knitting section.
A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Open Seven days a week Monday - Saturday 9am -5pm Sundays 10am - 4pm
Adults £6 Children (Under14) £3 Concessions £5 Families (2 adults 5 children) £14
Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735 South 7
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