What’s Happening at West Lexham – March 2023

Spring is almost upon us, one of the most vibrant and colourful seasons, bringing with it a feeling of renewal and hope. We are seeing early signs of blossoming trees and flowers, longer days, warmer temperatures, and chirping birds, but what else is happening this month at West Lexham? Read on to find out.

A WELCOME FROM EDMUND

Founder of West Lexham

“March, the first month of Meteorological Spring, marks a turning point in the calendar year. March also marks a turning point for West Lexham, the Glamp site awakens from Winter hibernation with the erection of Bell Tents, which add a theatrical atmosphere that enhances the site adding a different dimension which completes the rich West Lexham Vista.

We enjoy marking the start of the holiday season this month and can’t wait to see both new and existing clients.”

WHO’S JOINING US AT WEST LEXHAM

from Tanya, our Head of Sales & Reservations

“Now the weather picks up as we go into March, so do our bookings. The month of March celebrates lots of special days, including International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, Ostara (the pagan celebration of spring), and of course, British Summer Time begins. You will find lots of our retreats being based around these dates on our website, if you are interested, please take a look.“

WHAT’S GROWING AT WEST LEXHAM

from Lucy, Head Grower in The Growing Garden

“March in the kitchen garden is an exciting time, our main job this month is sowing. We grow over 100 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and leaves. We love to try out new varieties and this year we are growing a new tomato variety called Brad’s Atomic Grape and a chilli called Lemon Drop. There is still a risk of frost so all seedlings are kept in our Orangery.

We are excited to say we are now in conversation to being an Organic Soil Associated Certified garden. We will still be using biodynamic principles, which helps elevate organic to another level.

Jobs to do this month in your garden:

Prepare your soil, which includes weeding, adding a fresh layer of compost, and incorporating green manures.
Sow tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and chillis – keep them somewhere warm, a sunny windowsill is ideal, and chit your potatoes.
And remember, don’t be afraid to try something new, two crops that I love and are easy to grow are lemongrass and Malabar spinach, both edible and very ornamental.

Get growing with West Lexham and share your photos #getgorwingwithwestlexham.”

WHAT’S COOKING AT WEST LEXHAM
ALEX AND GEMMA

The Garden Kitchen Hospitality Team

“Last week we had the pleasure of cooking for the team at West Lexham, Lucy and Chelsie the Growing Gardeners, kindly provided what the fantastic West Lexham garden had to offer; vibrant spinach and multiple salad leaves, delicious oyster leaf and a huge Muscadet de Provence Squash which we slowly roasted in slices with ras el hanout spices, za’atar, rapeseed oil and a touch of sherry vinegar. Served alongside several bright, zingy salads using whatever Norfolk in February can give us. As well as multiple pizzas cooked in the handcrafted pizza oven on site.

It was really nice to meet everyone, we felt very welcome and appreciated, it’s clearly a lovely vibe at West Lexham. We think we’ll like it here.“

THIS MONTH’S TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Chelsie Hill, Assistant Grower

“I initially came to find West Lexham through a kick-start scheme in June 2021. I was welcomed with open arms by our magnificent team and enchanted by the breathtaking gardens and landscape. I enrolled in a Horticulture apprenticeship and cut to the present day, and I am nearing the end. Throughout my time at West Lexham, I have learned a variety of new skills and have gained knowledge of not only basic gardening but of how to grow organically and biodynamically, of which we apply both methods to our very own Kitchen Garden.

With Lucy, we have overseen the installation of the fruit cage, which has successfully produced delicious fruit, created a spiral garden which has welcomed many pollinators as well as curated a new herb garden that is currently under construction. I hope that when my apprenticeship comes to an end I can progress and get a degree specifically in biodynamics so I can learn how to progress our Kitchen Garden further. I urge anyone who has the chance to be courageous and try to instigate change.”

With the arrival of Spring comes the sowing of new vegetable varieties in the Growing Garden, Alex and Gemma’s first cooking experiences in the Garden Kitchen (open from Easter for holidaymakers), and Chelsie’s apprenticeship winding down. All these examples show how there are always new possibilities for change when we embrace the season of rebirth.

There are a number of retreats available throughout March and April. Experience the tranquillity of Springtime at West Lexham for yourself, and explore our What’s On page.

Lots of Love,
The West Lexham Team