Help our volunteers
to re-create the sights, sounds and tastes of a traditional kitchen garden
producing fruit, flowers and vegetables from a bygone
age.
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In February 2000 Coventry City Council approved the Walled Garden Group's proposals to restore the whole garden in five phases using the restoration plan shown below. Our volunteers started cultivation in March 2000 and by spring 2003 we had completed Phase IV, the north-west quarter bed. We are now planning Phase V, to restore the rest of the garden.
This is how the garden should look when fully restored, just as it could have been in 1786. Hoggin paths divide the garden into four quarters. A garden building for tools and equipment in the south-west corner replaces the original building, while a cool greenhouse occupies the north-west corner where traces of an earlier one still remain.
Box and lavender-edged borders, planted with flowers
from the 1780s, in 'theatrical order', line the main path.
Espalier-trained apples and pears hide the rows of vegetables, all dating from
before 1850. Near the gate are medicinal herbs in box-edged beds, opposite
nut-trees and spring flowers. In the side borders are culinary herbs,
unusual vegetables and flowers for the household plus 66 wall fruit trees,
mostly the varieties planted here in 1842. Old sorts of soft fruit and
quince trees line the cross-paths.
GARDEN STATISTICS |
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| Area | 1.36 acres | 5,530 sq. m |
| Wall length | 999 feet | 305 m |
| Wall height | 8 - 14 feet | 2.4 - 4.3 m |
| Wall thickness | 14 inches | 350 mm |
| Wall weight about | 650 tonnes | |
| The wall was built from about 160,000 hand-made bricks, using lime mortar. |
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The small plan shows some of the features of the old garden, in relation to today's garden.
We are looking for volunteers to help us restore this lovely garden to its original appearance and use. You don't need to be an active gardener - you can help to manage the restoration, organise events and visits, do research in the archives, create our newsletter and web site, or just lend a hand whenever you feel like some company.
Allesley Park Walled Garden needs your help and enthusiasm.
For more information phone June Babb 024 7640 2059
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