The Ancient Art of Moon Gardening
As handed down by
R.John Harris ~ Head Gardener
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Here is Head Gardener John Harris working in the beautiful walled kitchen garden. In March of 2008, the Head Gardeners of Cornwall were invited to a walk around Tresillian Estate, luncheon and a lecture by John Harris. The event was entitled Moon Gardening With John Harris, 11 March, 2008. The luncheon included Cornish Pasties and Cornish Saffron cakes. Oh what I would give to have been there! The day was quite a success, and here are some comments from the attendees.
Learnt a lot from the venue, as well as John's information. Continued thanks to all organisers-much appreciated.
A great location and hospitality. Some very interesting tips on organic pest control and gardening in general, with much information on Cornish plant heritage.
Loads of ideas and food for thought. Will certainly try out some "moon" gardening. Well organised and carried out in a relaxed and friendly way. Great to have been able to visit this estate.
Yeah, John is a great character. I already garden on many of his principles at home and think the Trust {referring to England's National Trust} needs to shake its Vistorian image adn emrace new ideas.
I've taken down some useful notes. It was good to meet John Harris.
Interesting to nate that the gardeners don't actually water anything. I liked the way the way the orchards have grown.
Nice to see a non-NT {National Trust} garden run in a different way, using no water and chemicals.
Very warm welcome form John and his team. Relaxed day out.
Good to see a privat estate and how it's run.
John's enthusiasm and a different way of gardening was useful to how we have to adapt to the future.
Brilliant, inspiring and thought-provoking. A fantastic day.
Plenty of opportunity to ask questions. A good way of swapping thought /ideas and getting pther people's points of view.
Good day out, but limited usefulness for myself, although many questions answered on Moon Gardening, I am yet to be convinced.
Loved the walled garden and orchards; would like to return when more productive.
John Harris hosts many groups of gardening enthusiasts, and garden clubs which want to visit Tresillian. This June John hosted the Tintagel Garden Club. Here is a copy of the remarks sent to John after this tour.
Dear John 23 June, 2008
Tintagel Garden Club
I write on behalf of everyone who so enjoyed our visit to the grounds and gardens of Tresillian House on Friday evening.
We did appreciate the time you gave to show us around this unique, and very special place estate, with its many interesting features, and where the buildings have beensuccessfully refurbished to such a high standard.
The walk though the wooded acreas was fascinating the use of trees to drain the old pig area, the balance of wild life (including the badgers!), the selective replanting following the gale damage of '87, and the value of the Alder, to name but a few.
The apple orchards with so many indigenouis varieties-all one hundred years plus, the burial grounds, and the buried building that you discovered by water divining, could only be found at Tresillian.
The walled garden is always a favourite, with its abundance, and variety, of vegetables and flowers, all of excellent quality-it was very much admired.
Your knowledge of your subject is well documented, together with yoru ability to impart a wealth of information in simple terms, laced with a delightful sense of humour-all this provided us with a most informative and enjoyable evening, that will be remembered and discussed for a long time, and for which we are truly grateful.
Yours sincerely
Richard Dare
Below are some pictures of John Harris during one of his typical days. You'll find John answering questions for BBC's Radio Cornwall and Radio Devon; admiring his broad beans, picking armloads of his beloved Sweet Peas; having a laugh with his friend Head Gardener Barry Champion; or being filmed by the BBC for one more documentary. The picture of the walled kitchen garden at Tresillian shows you just what Head Gardener Harris saw the first time he opened the gate and walked in...what a daunting task awaited him! The walled garden had been neglected for 40+ years, and John devoted countless hours to restoring it, beginning with rebuilding the brick walls and clearing refuse, then rebuilding the most important part- the soil.
{photos courtesy of John & Olive Harris}
{photos courtesy of John & Olive Harris}
