Vanessa's Garden Journey
Nestled in a Cotswold village, Vanessa Price’s kitchen garden is a charming testament to seasonal living and growing your own produce. From salvaged carpets and bark chips to raised beds, a greenhouse, and the loyal company of a dog and chickens, Vanessa’s garden has blossomed into a beautiful, functional space. In this blog, she shares how her dream took root in 2022 and has since flourished - with tips, tools, and reflections on the joy of gardening. Whether you’re new to planting or a seasoned grower, her story will inspire you to dig in.
Vanessa Price's Cotswold Kitchen Garden
Here’s a bit more on how the garden started.
We moved to our cabin home in 2022 and the first area I created, even before doing anything to the inside of the house, was the garden. I have always wanted a kitchen garden. Somewhere dedicated to growing vegetables and fruit.
A neighbour brought their digger around and we levelled up an area. I put down old carpets from the house as a weed suppressant and topped it with bark chips. We then added the raised beds - they work perfectly as they are easy to put together and create an instant growing area. We later added the potting shed and greenhouse.
4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds & Longrow Cloches
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your garden or outdoor space? How long have you been working on it, and what first inspired you to create it?
I live in a little Cotswold village with my husband Steve, dog Stella, and chickens, and our garden has become a real extension of our home. I’ve been tending it for a few years now, and what first inspired me was the dream of a slower, more seasonal way of living, being able to step outside and gather fruit, vegetables, and flowers to enjoy through the year.
How has your garden evolved during 2025, and do you have any exciting plans or projects coming up?
This year the garden has felt more established and abundant than ever. I’ve added new raised beds, extended the greenhouse planting, and brought in more perennials for year-round colour. Looking ahead, I’d love to focus on creating a cut-flower corner and planting more fruit trees to grow our little orchard.
Vanessa's Kitchen Garden
What do you enjoy most about growing your own produce and spending time outdoors?
For me it’s the rhythm of the seasons, from the first spring sowings to autumn harvests. There’s something grounding about spending time outdoors each day, whether I’m weeding, gathering eggs, or simply pausing with a cup of tea. And nothing quite compares to cooking with ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
You’ve been using the 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds and Longrow Cloche - how do they fit into your garden day-to-day, and what difference have they made?
They’ve become an essential part of my growing routine. The raised beds keep everything neat and organised, which makes gardening feel so much easier. The cloche has been brilliant for giving tender seedlings a little extra protection and peace of mind, especially with our unpredictable British weather.
Chickens patrolling the garden
What made you choose the 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds for your garden, and would you recommend them to other gardeners?
I love how versatile and sturdy they are. Being modular, I could shape them to suit the space I had, and they’ve really elevated the look of the garden too. I’d definitely recommend them, whether you’re new to gardening or more experienced, they’re a fantastic investment.
Has the cloche helped you extend your growing season or protect your crops in any way?
Yes, absolutely. It’s helped keep salads and greens going for longer, and given seedlings a head start in spring. It’s also been handy for shielding more delicate crops from pests.
Greenhouse and Potting Shed
Do you have any tips or advice for others who might be considering the 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds or Longrow Cloche in their own garden?
Think about how you want your garden to work for you and then place them where they’ll be most practical. I’d also say don’t be afraid to start small, one or two beds can make a huge difference and really inspire you to grow more.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone just starting out on their own growing journey?
Start simple and grow what you love to eat. Salad leaves, herbs, or a handful of strawberries are a lovely way to begin, and they’ll give you quick results. From there, your confidence grows along with your plants. And most importantly, enjoy the process, gardening is as much about the joy of being outside as it is about the harvest.
Follow Vanessa's continuing gardening journey - https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_inthe_cotswolds
