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The Alnwick Garden

The new garden at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is an exciting and innovative venture. The garden is the inspiration of Jane, Duchess of Northumberland who has a vision to create a garden of water, light and music which will leave the visitor spellbound. This is a garden for the 21st century which is set to rank among the top gardens of the country earning a place in its own right as a 'garden for our time'.

Garden Background:

The gardens at Alnwick Castle were originally created in the 18th century. Successive gardeners included Lancelot Brown and W.A. Nesfield who helped create one of the country's most admired gardens. During the Victorian era the gardens were opened to the public and a popular destination for relaxation. Sadly, after the onset of World War II and the post-war economic climate, the gardens fell into decline until the 12th Duchess and her husband inherited the estate in 1996.

The Duchess is an enthusiastic gardener and she saw immediately the potential that a redevelopment of the garden could hold, not only for the estate but for the community at as a whole.

The Garden:

You cannot fail to be excited by Alnwick. There is a skilful harmonisation of old and new and as it is a developing garden the visitor can be assured of something new on return visits for some time to come. The most prominent feature is the fantastic Grand Cascade with 120 water jets in the upper basin and 38 jets in the lower. Alternating sequences are controlled by state of the art technology and the result is a wonderful display.

This is a garden not only for adults - it has been designed with children in mind, which is to be applauded.

Everything has been thought of. There are little plastic pedal bikes designed like diggers which children can use to go up to the lower walls of the cascade and fill their buckets with tumbling water - and what a delightful time they have. The Cascade is framed by hornbeams with fastigated oaks surrounding the circular fountains.

Follow the Cascade up to the ornamental garden. I liked the Moorish feel of this approach as you come up to the four 16th century wrought iron gates bought by the 4th Duke which have been restored. Lovers of the symmetrical style of planting will love the ornamental garden with its box hedging and "individual rooms" again set off by water . Here there are plenty of seats positioned to give you a good view of the garden. Watch the Tumbler Doves in the dovecote coming and going while you relax and let the world go by.

Back down on the lower slope is the Rose Garden. Sponsored by David Austin, there are over 180 varieties of roses here imagine the assault on the senses when you visit in high summer and smell the Clematis and Honeysuckle interwoven with the roses. Still to come are smaller specialized spaces which will include a Garden for the Senses, The Spiral Garden, and the Poison Garden. As an added bonus to the garden you can visit Alnwick Castle making the whole day a really interesting and delightful experience.

Inspiration:

Innovative ideas for blending the old with the new in garden design. An example is the use of original walls which have been retained within new designs. The use of water in a garden and planting harmony. This garden is set to excite gardeners for generations to come.

How to get there:

Take the A1 junction north of Alnwick which is signposted to Denwick. You will then be able to follow the yellow signs on the A1, there are also brown tourist signs to direct you to the garden. There is plenty of parking. Alternatively, Alnmouth is the nearest railway station (approx. 4 miles away) and there is a regular bus service connecting Alnwick with Newcastle. Disabled access around the site is good.

To check access for both house and garden telephone the information centre: 01665 511350.

Website: www.alnwickgarden.com or email: info.@alnwickgarden.com

© Reckless Gardener Magazine 2005 Mill Cottage New Media