Sharing know-how about UK gardening

It's been easier to research gardening methods, using the wealth of gardening journals and publications from the 19th century. Generally, methods haven't changed that much anyway, only the materials, with our modern array of off-the-shelf pesticides and fertilisers. So Dorothy uses the familiar 4-year rotation to prevent build up of pests and diseases, with lime applied to the brassica bed. Fertility is maintained with organic matter in the form of well-rotted cattle manure from the adjoining farm, composted garden waste and poultry bedding, and leaf mould. Dorothy also feeds plants with blood and bonemeal, plus seaweed meal, although she doubts that this was available here, some distance from the coast.

While not being slaves to authenticity, the spirit of the 1800s is maintained. Compost bins and plant supports are rather rustic, relying on available materials, and, naturally enough for a cotton mill garden, cotton is used for tying up plants and keeping off birds, in preference to synthetic upstarts. But practicalities have to be faced, so the paths are no doubt wider and more durable than originally, in order to cope with many visitors. And working in period clothing is particulary awkward for the women gardeners who find themselves forking through their skirts rather than the soil. The mainly free-draining soil also means lots of watering, which is when the watering cans come out. But Dorothy also admits to resorting to a hosepipe when absolutely essential, especially if dry spells in spring threaten seedlings. 'I haven't got a supply of apprentices to carry water, and that's my excuse'.

It's possible that the garden was once overseen by the mill-owner's gardener, and certain that the children provided most of the labour, but nowadays it's planned and cared for by Dorothy and a dedicated team of half a dozen volunteers. When we visited, Beryl was engrossed in tidying an overgrown area, and Phil was busy barrowing manure.