Step into The Walled Gardens
An exciting project is underway at Holkham to restore the 6½ acres of walled gardens which were originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt during the late 1700s. The project is estimated to take four to five years to complete and is now in its third year. You can follow the restoration work as it progresses by visiting our online diary.
Visitors are invited to see how the work is progressing. Their first step will take them through Italian iron-work gates which were brought from Venice in 1908 and into one of the eight sections, known as ‘rooms’, with walls acting as windbreaks and reflecting the sun to create a gentle microclimate. In Victorian times these gardens would have provided a constant and varied supply of food and decoration to the hall, ranging from vegetables and flowers to a wide variety of both common and exotic fruits.
There is a distinct tranquil feel to the gardens and time to relax and enjoy the environment. In the herbaceous perennial meadows visitors will be greeted with a variety of blooms and range of colour, with the added opportunity to buy from a selection of propagated plants.
In the second section of the gardens there is a spectacular stand of large Victorian greenhouses which have been renovated back to their original splendour with the help of English Heritage. There are also sunken greenhouses designed to be at a lower level to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations; these are scheduled for renovation in the near future. The trained pear trees here date from the original Victorian plantings and on the garden walls are a number of fig varieties and an olive tree which enjoys the warmth provided.
As the project progresses visitors will be able to meander along the paths bordered by the marvellous displays of foliage colours, flowers and fruit. Ornamental trees, unusual herbaceous perennials and walls clad with climbers and fruit trees will be joined by banks of wavy topped yew hedging. A working area designed to become the vegetable and cut flower garden will hopefully once again provide produce for the family’s kitchen, for entertaining and any surplus food will be used at our hotels.
At the far end of the gardens, an open area designated for weddings and other events will be left and also a perennial meadow to give a spectacular display throughout the year, as well as providing the perfect place for wildlife to enjoy cover and seed heads.
Tim Marshall, Landscape Manager at Holkham, said: "This is an evolving project which is ambitious but achievable as we work to restore these gardens to their former glory and productivity. Come and see it change through the seasons, sit and relax in one of the gardens or just enjoy the wildlife around you."
Opening Times and Admission Prices 2012
1st April to 31st October every day 10am - 5pm (Last entry 4.30pm)
Please click here for details of admission
Information
The Walled Gardens are situated to the west of the hall, approximately ¼ mile following the hardcore road and grassed parkland. Car parking is limited and is only available for disabled visitors.
Public access arrangements to view the glasshouses
The glasshouses in the walled gardens are available to be seen by appointment. Please write to the Estates Director, David Horton-Fawkes, Holkham Estate Office, Wells-next-the-Sea,
NR23 1AB or email: enquiries@holkham.co.uk to request an appointment.
Latest News - January 2012
Our Landscape Manager, Tim, will be running a Gardeners' Question Time at this year's East Anglian Game & Country Fair on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich. At the fair's new gardening and conservation area, Tim will offer visitors an opportunity to receive horticultural help and advice for problems in the garden. A plant propagation workshop will also demonstrate how visitors can produce their own new and healthy plants for free. Tim's workshop on garden pests and diseases will prove invaluable in giving advice dealing with factors affecting vegetables and fruits.
Click here to see more information on the East Anglian Game & Country Fair.
