Ardivachar Croft Garden
Ardivachar Croft
Chris and Christine Johnson took over the crofting tenancy of 24 Ardivachar in 2008 and been working to improve the infrastructure of the croft and restore the quality of the land. On the northwest corner of South Uist the croft borders the sea with the Loch Bee Special Protection Area to the south east.The land is managed traditionally: winter grazing and a late grass cut for silage in September ensures that the fields are full of wild flowers and grasses during the summer months providing a haven for birds, butterflies, bumblebees and other insects. If you are interested in the wildlife which can be found on our croft and throughout islands, please visit our natural history website: www.hebridensis.co.uk
The croft garden is limited to the area around the original croft house and is planted with a wide range of fruit, vegetables, herbs and ornamental plants. The aim is to work in harmony with the environment and where possible to provide additional food resources and habitats for wildlife. The machair soil is sandy, well drained and mineral rich, but lacking in organic matter. To improve its water retentive properties and maintain its fertility, it is enriched with copious amounts of compost which is produced on the croft from seaweed, farmyard manure, and garden waste.