An historic garden destroyed by a fire in 1937 has been lovingly restored to its original design.
Archaeologists, historians and horticulturalists have worked side by side to faithfully revive the devastated East Parterre outside the 19th century mansion Witley Court in Worcestershire.
Head gardener Richard Squires said: “The whole ethos of the East Parterre was about showing off and throwing money at the display, it was intended to be a really showy garden.
“There’s even one story of how the gardeners worked all night to change one particular bedding display so that when the guests woke up the next morning they would see something different.
“It’s been a long project because we wanted to make sure the archaeology was done properly.
“To see it restored to its original glory is just wonderful.”
The garden is best seen in spring and includes varieties of plants that would have graced the gardens during Witley Court’s Victorian heyday: orange, red and gold wall flowers, Forget-me-nots, and three varieties of tulips – purple Van der Neer, bright red Keizerskroon and crimson Couleur Cardinal.
Prices to see the garden are £6.30 for adults, £5.70 for concessions, £3.80 for children or £16.40 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members get in free.
* For more details, call Witley Court on 01299 896636 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witleycourt
