Laid out by the Peckovers from the early 19th-century onwards, it has evolved over a long period of time in response both to changes in gardening fashion and the family's taste.
The Peckovers were keen plantsmen and sought out new varieties and foreign species of plants and trees.
19th-century
When the Peckover family moved into the Southwell's residence in the early 1790's their garden consisted of an area immediately behind the house. Beyond their immediate garden the family owned an orchard and 17th-century threshing barn. The family also owned farmland close to the house.
Over 150-year period the Peckovers would nurture the garden - an extension of their philanthropic nature - acquiring numerous rare foreign plants and trees from plant hunters.
In its 19th-century heyday, the garden was supported by 17 gardeners. Under Alexandrina Peckover, this number was reduced to five estate men-cum-gardeners. Fed Wenlock, the head gardener at this time, could not read, but is said to have written the plant and tree labels in beautiful copperplate.
20th-century
When the National Trust took over the property, the number of gardeners was further reduced to one full-time and one part-time assistant.
When George Peeling began work in the garden in 1968, there was much that had been neglected and was in need of rejuvenation. By the time he retired 18 years later, he had successfully brought the garden back from the brink of wilderness.
Silent Spaces
Silent Space is a not-for-profit project that the Peckover Team is pleased to work with. In our increasingly technology driven lives it can be refreshing to switch off from today’s noisy world. For a few hours, 11am-1pm, on a Monday we will designate the Wilderness Walk as our Silent Space. We join several other gardens around the country in providing our visitors with an area where you can switch off your devices and enjoy being silent.
As followers of the Quaker Faith quiet contemplation was an essential part of the Peckovers life, so working with the Silent Space project fits well with our Spirit of Place. We invite you to join the Peckover ethos of quiet contemplation as you wander along the Wilderness Walk enjoying the many different plants growing in this area. If you would like to know more take a look at www.silentspace.org.uk
