On 24 June around 18 members and friends were welcomed to the Helmsley Walled Garden by the generously knowledgeable Head Gardener, Paul Radcliffe. After hearing an intriguing account of the garden’s eighteenth century beginnings as Duncombe Park’s kitchen garden, its dereliction in the 1970’s through to the inspired restoration efforts of Alison Ticehurst and volunteers from 1994 onward, the tour began in the Victorian orchid house, which forms the focal point of the garden.
A languid and informative circuit of the garden followed with Paul highlighting, for example, the huge array of Clematis varieties clinging to the garden’s walls; the collections of 52 Yorkshire apples and 34 Victorian vines; and the relationship between the garden’s plantings and groups who voluntarily care for various areas, or who tend beds integral to the horticultural therapy offered at the garden. Paul’s tales flowed with warmth and wit and we learned a great deal about the garden and visions for its continuing transformation.
An earlier sighting of salad leaves and vegetables growing in the vinery hinted at the delicious vegetarian lunch awaiting us, prepared by Slow Food member Monica Gripaios who rents the delightful vinery café premises and operates under a profit-sharing arrangement with the garden, serving its produce wherever possible. Monica’s stunning tarts and salad dressing prompted a beeline to the Ethical Shop after dessert in pursuit of the garden’s cookbook containing the recipes.
Our visit, whilst comprehensive and enriched thanks to Paul and Monica, left me only wanting to return – to pause in a quiet walled corner, to sample more of the café’s fare, and to pore over plants to buy. It’s that kind of place, made special by passionate and inspired people whose values are manifested in every aspect of the garden.
Wendy Fountain
Find out more at http://www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk