Fiona Scott Media Consultanccy

As spring arrives, the couple behind Bothy Gardens in Wiltshire are urging gardeners to consider not just their planting but also the soil in their gardens.

Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler have spent several years curating and bringing back to life the walled-garden and Grade II listed Bothy at Burderop, Chiseldon, near Swindon into a vibrant natural space which will be both a business and a meeting place. 

They will be holding their first open day in May this year for visitors to book and browse around the site – and soil will be a big topic for the event. 

Mark said: “Healthy soil is paramount when it comes to sustainability. The secret to a thriving garden is the soil beneath one’s feet.

“Healthy soil is soil that’s alive with bacteria, fungi, and earthworms breaking down organic matter and releasing essential plant nutrients and retain moisture. Gardeners need to create well-structured soil which acts like a sponge, soaking up rainfall and preventing flooding.”

Wiltshire’s soil is chalky and limestone-rich with high alkaline pH level and therefore really supports plants such as Cornus Mas, Acer Campestre, and Carpinus Betulus (Common Hornbeam). Whereas Rhododendron Cultivars, Azalea, and Hamamelis (Witch-Hazel) struggle in these environments because they need more acid. 

Jules said: “Adding organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure) to lower pH levels and this will improve soil structure. If plants prefer alkaline conditions, lime can be used to keep pH level in the plant’s comfort zone. Be sure to regularly test your soil to ensure plants can thrive.”

The couple can also talk about testing/identifying arsenic which is present in most soils at low and safe levels. At Bothy Gardens, soil testing confirmed that arsenic levels are within normal background concentrations. There are plants which can mitigate as well. 

“By keeping soil neutral to slightly acidic, growers can reduce arsenic uptake in plants. Three plants that aren’t prone to accumulating arsenic from the soil are: European Beech, English Lavender, Japanese Rose,” Mark said. 

Practical changes have been implemented at Bothy Gardens when it comes to planting. Stock plants have been planted along walled edges with recycled organic matter being added to improve fertility and lower pH. 

Mark and Jules have also installed a potting machine which can pot up to 5,000 plants per day using peat-free compost and recycled plastic pots.

Their horticultural advice is amongst the many opportunities available on their first open day of 2025 on Saturday, 10 May. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, a beepkeeping class and nature art workshops as well as food and drink. 

Jules Gilleland of Bothy Gardens, said, “Our first 2025 open day is going to be an exciting day for the start of summer, we can’t wait to welcome people and offer our amazing opportunities for people to learn about Bothy Gardens and all that we can offer. It will be a day of soil, sustainability, and sparkle.”

Those who interested in the open day can drop in and for more information visit www.bothygardens.com

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Fiona Scott Media Consultanccy
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