A County Durham castle garden which has undergone a near-decade long multi-million-pound regeneration is set to open again this weekend.
Historically used by the Prince Bishops for cultivating vegetables during the 17th century, Auckland Castle garden is unusually close to the site compared with similar historical sites. Designed by Pip Morrison, whose previous work includes the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, the themes of faith, art and creativity are said to be central to the redeveloped gardens.
The project consists of the castle’s Walled Garden, Faith Garden, Broadwalk, Wilderness Garden and a new Victorian-inspired glasshouse, which lies in the upper half of the Walled Garden. The glasshouse will be the starting point for every single plant, vegetable, fruit and herb before they are taken out and grown within the grounds of the site.
The gardens are the work of the Auckland Project who are aiming to transform Bishop Auckland into a visitor destination, and have already opened the Spanish Gallery, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre, and the Faith Museum within the town.
Jane Ruffer, co-founder of the Auckland Project, said: “Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden was important as a functional and productive space, but also showcased the wealth and resources the Prince Bishops had at the time. It is part of County Durham’s history, so we’re thrilled to be opening the gardens, restoring them to their original purpose but with a modern design.”
(Image: The Auckland Project)
Pip Morrison said of the project: “We’ve designed a garden that responded to the history of the site as the productive garden of the Bishops of Durham but also created something visually appealing to visitors. The project is designed to be sympathetic to Auckland Castle’s architecture and was a consideration when developing the designs, planting, and textures.”
Andy Nesbitt, head of parks, gardens and landscapes at the Auckland Project, said: “By making everything, including the glasshouse, open to visitors, we hope to encourage everyone from novice gardeners to green-fingered experts, providing advice and inspiration in an informal setting.”
The Auckland Project’s gardens open to the public on Saturday, May 25 from 10.30am. A series of events will be hosted over the summer, including Walks & Talks taking place every Saturday from May 25 to July 13.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bishop-auckland-castle-gardens-redevelopment-29212364
