More than just a garden behind a pineapple topped wall!
24th April 2011
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More than just a garden behind the pineapple topped wall!

 

An historic walled garden will be opening for the second time on Sunday 8 May in aid of Princess Alice Hospice, the enclosed garden complete with rockeries, a listed cottage, amazing architectural features and a tortoise will be awash with springtime colour.

 

Many local Esher residents have probably noticed some of the architectural features of the garden. These include a pair of ornate gateposts in the shape of pineapples, which date to 1805, now is the chance to see what is behind the gates and walls of this secret garden.

 

Last year visitors to this delightful garden at 7 More Lane, Esher saw the beautiful remains of a much larger garden, full of interesting vistas and helped to generate over £1,000 for the Hospice.

 

The garden has a great story to tell. In1730, Henry Pelham commissioned William Kent to remodel Wayneflete Tower and to landscape the surrounding area, Esher Place.

 

Within four years, this was in the majority, accomplished. The Head Gardener, Robert Leadman, leased a Cottage, Orangery and extensive Walled Garden within the Pelham Estate. He lived here whilst managing and maintaining the ‘Pleasure Gardens’ and ‘Kitchen Gardens’ of Wayneflete Tower that famously featured in many 19th Century editions of ‘Country Life.’ The original Walled Garden stretched two thirds of the way down More Lane, Robert Leadman, and the successive Head Gardeners, would enter the estate through an imposing brick Archway, 6 metres high, onto Wayneflete Tower Avenue.

 

The Cottage, Orangery, Wall and Archway still stand and visitors will once again be able to stroll around this delightful garden, enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace by the summer rockery and most importantly help the owner of the garden, Anne Hills, raise money for Princess Alice Hospice. Anne has decided to open the garden to say thank you to the charity for the care and support provided to her son Christopher.

 

The Garden now boasts Yew Trees that date back at least 150 years, and some rare shade loving plants and spring and summer bulbs under them. Many of these rare plants and other species from the garden will be on sale at the event. Anne has been incredibly busy since last autumn, taking cuttings and raising seedlings.

 

The garden at 7 More Lane, Esher will open on Sunday 8 May at 11am and will close at 4pm. Entry is £3 with free parking available at Sandown Park Racecourse. There will be an afternoon tea and cake stall so why not make a whole day of it!

Anne is one of many local supporters who open their gardens in aid of the Hospice visit www.pah.org.uk for future open garden events.

 

 

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Ruby I

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