Thirty people rolled up on 1st April, eager to get their hands dirty in the new Education Garden of the Bishop’s Palace in Southwell which is being restored in line with the Palace renovations, currently well underway.
The next Open Day on Saturday 26th April looks set to be another triumph of the trowels, and Project co-ordinator, Charlie Leggatt says: “We need volunteers to help us bring the vision for the garden to fruition and, then, to help with the maintenance. Following the success of our first Open Day when helpers planted up the winter border, the knot garden and the herb parterre – each interpreting an historic moment of the Palace -we now plan to tackle the creation of a Gertrude Jekyll border to interpret the Arts and Crafts style of the Bishop’s Manor. The border will run the length of the gable of the Palace so will eat up a considerable number of plants, so if anyone has spare herbaceous plants this autumn perhaps they could divide or thin?”
The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage are much involved in the Palace renovations, due to the considerable heritage significance of the complex – which was used by most of the early Kings of England and, later, by Cardinal Wolsey and then by Charles I.
“We plan to connect the Palace with the outside space physically and intellectually, enhancing understanding and learning through interpretation signage, a programme for school groups and informal learning opportunities for adults and families,” adds Charlie.
So roll up your sleeves, don your wellies and come and meet grounds man, Luke Bartle, and Charlie at 10am on 26th April in the forecourt of Bishop’s Manor for an introductory talk and a tour, before you get stuck in! (Refreshments will be provided so let them know in advance if you are coming.) charles@southwellminster.org.uk, 01636 817283.
‘Get stuck in!’ – SATURDAY 26th APRIL 2014 10am – 4pm