Talk: History of Asthall Manor Kitchen Garden

Presented by Head Kitchen Gardener, Tim Mitchell.

Following the OGT’s successful group visit to Asthall Manor’s Gardens in 2025 and its previous research into the history of the walled kitchen garden dating back to the early 20th century, the current Head Kitchen Gardener, Tim Mitchell, will talk about the development of the Kitchen Garden under Rosie Pearson’s current ownership and the radical changes which have been made by Tim and his team in the last five years to grow more healthy, people-friendly and wildlife-friendly food using biodiversity organic techniques and permaculture design principles. 

Tim will incorporate a summary of OGT research into the garden, carried out before his time there.

The food at the Asthall Manor is grown for Asthall Wild Community Interest Company (CIC) for a small local box crop share scheme and local chefs. The gardening model which has been adopted by Tim nurtures a tapestry of beneficial microbes, plants, insects and animals that support and bring balance to a healthy and thriving local ecosystem.