Maes-y-Neuadd is set in 85 acres of grounds around the house which comprise the meadowlands either side of the drive, the rockery, paths and pond behind the house, and the old vegetable and kitchen gardens, and old Maes-y-Neuadd Plantation. In addition there are a number of interesting features and buildings on the site. Since 1982 the grounds have been the subject of study and planned development. Recently we have aquired the 65 acre woodlands behind the hotel, known as the Maes-y-Neuadd plantation , which were some 200 years ago part of the original estate.
The Walled Kitchen Gardens
The highlights of our grounds are the two walled kitchen gardens in the valley
in front of the hotel. Now some 200 years old there has been a restoration
project since 1997 to upgrade and enhance the quality and variety of produce
for the hotel. Annually over 8 tonnes of produce are supplied to our kitchens.
We aim to be as organic as possible although full certification is impossible
in our geographic location. The only synthetic chemicals are slug pellets
and potash fetilizer.
These gardens are developed on a bed system and a “no dig” cultivation method is used on a 2 year cycle, the aim being to make the gardens less labour intensive and pesticide and artificial fertiliser free. The nearer garden, once the orchard, has 2 small heated glass houses for seed germination and propagation of exotics and whilst the farther garden has 3 polythene tunnels for growing-on. One is exclusively for herbs and has a fantastic aroma. One other is for tomatoes whose season extends to December.
As well as vegetables we also grow flowers for the kitchen, herbs and hard and soft fruits. In spring the beds are protected by dutch lights and also in autumn allowing us to extend the growing seasons.
We employ 2 Gardeners, Head Gardener Andrew Jones has been here for 11 years and has been part of the new development of the vegetable gardens since their inception. David Owen Jones was gardener and nursery man and formerly a Bardsey Island Warden prior to his arrival here and is our flower and landscaping expert with a wealth of knowledge.
The soil is poor here – shallow, acid and devoid of humous and nutrients and it is to their credit that the gardens get the wonderful results they do – both for the kitchen and visually. The weather can on occasions also be challenging (hard to believe but true!). Click here to view produce from our welsh gardens
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Flowers Herbs Fruits |
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Vegetables Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Beans, Beetroot, Broad Bean, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cabbage, Calabrese, Cauliflower, Celery, Courgettes, Cucumber, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Leeks, Marrow, Nastuirtion, Onion, Parsnips, Peas, Pumpkin, Potato, Squash, Shallots, Turnip, Tomato Salads |
