New discoveries
In 2009 The National Trust team made an amazing discovery. Lost and forgotten, the Head Gardener’s notebook had kept its secrets for decades. During a spring clean it was found tucked behind a cabinet. Now its pages are open once again. The notes in this little book will pave the way for a dynamic new phase of the Walled Garden’s life. It outlines fruit lists from the late 1870s and the 1920s with rough planting plans which give us an intriguing glimpse into history of the Walled Garden and the opportunity to recreate the original planting plans.
Modern day National Trust gardeners are now following in his footsteps. Using this fascinating insight, Ickworth’s Walled Garden will be returned to its early twentieth century appearance and restored to full working order. Heritage fruit and vegetables will grow in the garden, just as they once did in its heyday at the height of country house entertaining. Its produce already fills the plates in the West Wing café, though nowadays it doesn’t arrive in a cart pulled by Kitty, the Suffolk Punch. In the seasons to come, you will see the sunken hothouses rebuilt and once more filled with fruits. Espaliered pear, apple, and quince trees will trail along the walls and line pathways that will transport you to a vibrant, growing experience of a bygone era.