» We compost all kitchen vegetable waste and
non-woody garden waste i.e. all weeds, 'soft' cuttings, lawn cuttings,
etc. We have almost 8 cubic meters of composting capacity which
is a lot but is an appropriate for the size of the grounds and amount
of waste vegetable matter produced. Their size and construction
allows adequate heat build up to result in the destruction of weeds
and their seeds - therefore reducing the need for organic herbicides.
Soil is added to form good compost. This is then spread on the garden
and vegetable patch and some is riddled to produce fine potting
compost. This way the nutrients are returned to the ground.
» We don't use horticultural peat products -
the use of peat by Irish and British gardeners has resulted in the
destruction of a number of bog habitats in Ireland.
» Wood Ash from the cottage fires and our wood
burning stove is used on the garden as a potassium fertilizer.
» We have planted Fruit Trees, native deciduous hedging and
other standard trees on the grounds. Existing Hedgerows are being
managed and replanted to ensure they continue to provide important
habitat for flora and fauna.
» Rain water is collected in the pond at Croan and is reused
on the grounds for watering plants and veg.
» No insecticides or pesticides are used in the Walled vegetable
garden or orchard.