lincolnshire's lost garden

One of Lincolnshire's most beautiful attractions, The Easton Walled Gardens, based just south of Grantham, is celebrating after winning not one, but two prestigious awards in one day.

Hidden away for half a century, the gardens are being lovingly restored in a major restoration project. Now Easton Walled Gardens has won Lincolnshire Tourism Attraction of the Year (under 50,000 visitors) at a glittering ceremony hosted by Lincolnshire Tourism and Lincolnshire Life.

On the same day Lady Ursula Cholmeley, owner of the gardens received a ‘National Treasure' Award presented by Alan Titchmarsh, on his highly popular daytime programme - The Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Clearly delighted Lady Cholmeley said 'Days like these don't come along very often and we are all still on a high.'

Easton Walled Gardens is an enormous project reviving 12 acres of gardens that date back to 1592. The whole project has been overseen by Lady Cholmeley who has taken the role of designer, head gardener and project manager.

Supported by a small but dedicated team they have transformed the landscape into an award winning visitor experience.

US President Franklin D Roosevelt once described these gardens as 'A dream of Nirvana... almost too good to be true,' after he spent part of his honeymoon here with his bride, Eleanor.

However up until winter 2001, these gardens had been completely abandoned for 50 years. Now thanks to the dedication and hard work of Lady Ursula and her team, they have been completely transformed into a stunning garden with beautiful walks, awash with flowers and meadow a cottage garden, a turf maze and a delicious tearoom.

Snowdrops, sweet peas, irises, David Austin Roses and over 100 varieties of daffodil are just some of the flowers found in this pretty haven.

Easton Walled Gardens is a private initiative led by Lady Cholmeley and a core team of five people. Sir Fred and Lady Cholmeley's children are the 14th generation of Cholmeleys to be brought up at Easton. The gardens are now open on Sundays and over the Easter period.

For more information visit www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk or telephone 01476 530063.