Archerfield Walled Garden has been regenerating over the past three and a half years under the direction of head gardener, Erica Randall. The walled garden, built in the late 1780’s, would have originally supplied all produce to Archerfield House to feed both the owners and their staff.

The new design continues the tradition of providing seasonal crops to the café kitchen and fresh flowers to the tables. It also aims to create a beautiful space and engage with visitors of all ages to learn about plants and the natural world.

The garden has been split into smaller themed rooms using yew hedging. Areas already established include the productive tunnel, a potager, cut flower, rose garden and wildlife area. Different team members take responsibility for individual areas allowing them to put their own stamp on the garden and hopefully create a more stimulating experience for the visitor.

2019 developments include:

• a perennial vegetable garden that demonstrates low input food production, as well as showcasing some more unusual edibles such as the young shoot of hostas, ferns and Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum).

• A perennial meadow using short ornamental grasses and hardy geraniums interspersed with bulbs and herbaceous perennials to set off newly planted apple trees.

• The addition of a pond in the wildlife area to create further habitat for creatures to hide and feed.

• A revamp of the car park border so that the garden experience begins on arrival.

• A sales area offering plants that visitors can see growing in the garden.

Future plans include reinstating a glasshouse on the south facing wall, a light and dark themed ornamental garden and a soft fruit garden.

The garden’s aim is to inspire and be viewed as an exciting living project.

Website: www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com

Telephone: 01620 388588

Opening times: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Admission costs: Free but donations are welcome.