Hailing from Norfolk, England, I can’t help but have a sense of pride, especially when it comes to matters of sustainability. With a rich history, I can really nerd out on this stuff. Let's start with the 1700s, when 2/3 of the region was being used to grow food. Throughout the next century, Norfolk farmers gained a reputation for their progressive farming techniques, inspiring English agriculture and supplying much of Europe with grain. This culture of farming was embroidered through every demographic, pulling the country together through wars and crisis.
One of the best examples of upper class small-scale farming is Holkham Hall near Eastern the coast of England. This seemingly ornamental garden contains 8 perfectly walled "rooms", creating sheltered, warm microclimates. In Victorian times, these gardens supplied a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and floral decoration to the hall. Sunken greenhouses dot the property like jewels and were implemented to withstand great temperature fluctuations. It's easy to get inspired when beautiful design meets the nature of a rambling English garden.
