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The Walled Garden

The Walled Garden

Steeped in history and charm, the Walled Kitchen Garden is a living testament to centuries of horticultural tradition. Enclosed by its Grade I listed walls, built in 1745, this one-acre garden has evolved from a productive space for vegetables to a vibrant blend of ornamental and edible planting. Evidence suggests the surrounding moat dates back to Saxon times, adding to the garden’s rich historical tapestry.

Main Borders

Cruciform herbaceous borders are the highlight of this working kitchen garden. Behind the borders, trained on wires, is a profusion of climbing and rambling roses: ‘Albertine’, ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Blush Rambler’, among others. Clematis, Deutzia and Lathyrus latifolius span the flowering times of the roses.

At the beginning of the season the colour scheme is chosen to blend in with the old roses: pinks, blues, mauves, lilac, creams and pale yellows. As summer intensifies the stronger-coloured flowers of bronzes, deep reds and yellows come to the fore. Dot planting of annuals prolongs the flowering season well into late summer.

Arches and Tunnels

Old plans discovered in the 1980s showed that the garden had originally been divided into eight sections, so in 1986 Xa Tollemache created grass walks and arched tunnels on which to grow sweet peas, runner beans and gourds. We have recently replaced one of the runner bean tunnels with Cobaea scandens, one of our most asked-about plants.

Topiary

The narrow, south-facing topiary borders house a collection of fun and interesting topiary shapes separated by drifts of Iris ‘Sable’ and Delphinium.

Produce

The Walled Garden still contains many productive beds of fruit and vegetables, supplying the Hall and Stable Shop with an abundance of produce.

Spring Border

Running along the outside length of the east-facing wall is the Spring Border, which comes to life before the internal herbaceous borders are in full colour. Groups of tulips are followed by different species of Iris. Peonies flower from May to June, set in front of a backdrop of roses and honeysuckle.

Bridges

Two bridges lead out of the Walled Garden: an ancient bridge that takes visitors to the Apple Walk and a newer bridge, designed by George Carter, leading into the Wildflower Meadow beyond.

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