Varied and thoughtful planting

Flowers and herbs planted among vegetables repel pests or attract beneficial insects that destroy pests. That is why we do not use any chemical plant protection agents here. They occasionally use only homeopathic remedies to repel bedbugs, fleas and other bugs. When planting, local varieties are of course preferred - because they are more resistant and better adapted to our climate and, above all, because we would like to show our guests how varied and full of flavor our local food is.

Students of nature
In the castle garden, we are committed to organic production. What's more, when planting and picking fruits, we take into account the laws of biodynamic cultivation to the greatest extent possible. We know very well that observing natural rhythms and natural laws in gardening ensures an even higher quality crop. The fruit that grew on a timely planted plant and is harvested at the right time contains more vitamins and other valuable substances and has a fuller smell and taste. The vision of the castle garden is to create a pleasant ambience that offers visitors and users of the garden an aesthetic and calming experience. That is why we recreate nature, its patterns and laws in the garden. So in this garden, just like in nature, we can encounter colorful colors and smells, very different growth and also different arrangements - in some places there is order, in others it is chaotic.

Inspiration from the forest
The castle garden is surrounded by a forest on two sides, a precious ecosystem from which we draw inspiration. In the forest, leaves and dry twigs fall to the ground, and this creates a fertile ground in which the seeds germinate. It's the same in our garden. We don't shovel the shafts, we just loosen them. We use natural substances for loosening and mulching the soil - branches, straw, sheep's wool and leaves, and compost from garden waste and horse and sheep manure for fertilizing. Since the compost retains moisture well, the bed does not need to be watered much.

A special form of wellness

Visitors can also participate in the work in the garden. Creating in the garden in the middle of green nature is an unforgettable experience, especially for those who come from urban centers, where they do not have much contact with nature and often breathe polluted air. After all, such "agrofitness" is also a healthy and increasingly popular form of exercise in nature.

Paths strewn with soft wood chips wind between the beds, and the access path and resting areas are paved with natural stone. From the garden there is a view across the meadows towards Vinje Vrh and across the river Krka to Gorjance. Walks between flower beds, relaxing listening to birdsong and full of flavors of naturally grown food on Otočac: all this, together with swimming in the thermal pool and other sports activities in the area, is a very special Velne experience.