Travelling along the A368 between West Harptree and Blagdon you may be forgiven for passing the Yeo Valley yogurt factory at Holt Farm without realising its well-kept secret. For hidden away in the valley adjoining the dairy and farm is a 6 and a half acre organic garden and this was the venue for the Somerset Masters Lodge Summer Outing on Wednesday 22nd July.
A group of fifty members and partners arrived and were greeted by the Worshipful Master Pat Morrisey (right) with his lady Heather. Despite an early rain shower, the weather picked up and the visiting party toured in two tranches each led by one of the team of five who design and care for the gardens.
The immaculately kept grounds contain many different facets including The Willow Garden, The Gravel Gardens, The Flower Meadow, The Herb Garden and a delightful view of Blagdon Lake. The gardens – both ornamental and kitchen – are a continuously evolving project which have been cultivated by the Mead family who started the dairy business in the 1960s. They are one of only very few accredited organic gardens in the country.
They also feature a wonderful tea room, come restaurant, which offers meals prepared from the vast array of home produce and following the tour the party enjoyed a lunch of Spinach and Ricotta Quiche followed by a Blackcurrant Panacotta. After the very happy lunch the WM rose to thank the Chef and catering staff, his wife Heather who organised the day & finally all present for making the day so successful.
