The National Trust has embarked on a programme of work to restore the gardens at Chartwell.

We want the gardens to reflect more closely the life and times of Sir Winston Churchill and his family, and be in keeping with the presentation of the house.

Lady Churchill’s wishes were that visitors would get the impression that the family was still here 'as if they have just gone out into the garden', indicating the importance of the garden to her and to the family.

The largest part of this project involves the walled Kitchen Garden. Historically this area had been a productive garden until Sir Winston’s death in 1965. A wide range of produce was grown here to supply not only the family at Chartwell but also their other homes in London.

It was also a source of recreation for Churchill, and over a period of about seven years he enjoyed building parts of the surrounding brick walls in his spare time.

The Golden Rose Avenue, which runs through the centre of the Kitchen Garden, was created in 1958 by Sir Winston and Lady Churchill’s children to celebrate their parents’ golden wedding anniversary.

The aim has been to restore the Kitchen Garden to the appearance it had in its heyday of the 1930s and 40s. Where possible, recorded varieties of fruit and vegetables have been reintroduced.

Already produce from the Kitchen Garden has been used in Chartwell's restaurant or sold to visitors, thus enabling them to enjoy the true flavour of Chartwell.

In a corner of the garden near the 'Marycot' playhouse, two new apple trees of the variety 'Winston' (historically known as 'Mary and Sarah', the names of Churchill’s two younger children) have been planted.

Cutting flowers have continued to be grown for use throughout the house, as they were for Lady Churchill.

The larger programme for Chartwell’s gardens, of which this is an early phase, includes changes to paths and improving the route for wheelchair users.

Planting schemes are being reviewed, with areas returned to simple themes which better reflect the Churchills’ own taste. This includes planting to attract butterflies and replacing strong colours with pastels.

The area behind the fish pools has been opened up to create 'Lady Churchill’s Walk', and changes are also being made to the lakes. This work will continue as funds become available over the next few years.