RESTORING GEORGIAN WALLED GARDENS
- phoebesperrin
- May 7, 2023
- 4 min read
8TH MAY 2023

NERD WORD | Biennial
What is a Georgian Walled Garden?
A plant that lives for two growing seasons; biennials typically produce only leaves in the first year, and then flower and set seed the following
A Georgian walled garden is a type of garden that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, characterised by its enclosed walls, symmetrical design, and the use of geometric patterns.
These gardens were often built to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and intended to be both functional and visually appealing.

The walls were typically made of brick or stone and served to protect the garden from harsh weather conditions and pests. In addition to their practical purposes, Georgian walled gardens also served as a place of leisure and entertainment for the wealthy families who owned them.
The gardens were often designed with walkways, fountains, and seating areas, creating a serene and tranquil environment for the family to enjoy. Many Georgian walled gardens also featured greenhouses, where exotic plants could be grown year-round, regardless of the weather outside. These greenhouses were often ornate, with intricate ironwork and large glass panes, and were a symbol of the family's wealth and status.

Today, many Georgian walled gardens have been restored and opened to the public as tourist attractions. Visitors can admire the beautiful designs and intricate patterns of the gardens, and learn about the history of gardening and horticulture in the 18th and 19th centuries.
What goes into restoring a garden
Restoring a garden typically involves removing any dead or unwanted plants, repairing or replacing garden structures, improving soil quality, and planting new vegetation. It may also involve addressing any drainage or irrigation issues and adding decorative elements such as lighting or seating areas.
what to consider before restoring a garden
Before restoring a garden, it's important to consider the following:

The garden's current state: assess the existing plants, soil, and structures to determine what needs to be removed, repaired, or added.
Budget and timeframe: consider how much time and money you are willing to invest in the restoration process.
Garden style and purpose: decide on the garden's style (e.g. formal, cottage, modern) and purpose (e.g. vegetable garden, relaxation space, wildlife habitat) to guide the restoration process.
Climate and environment: take into account the garden's location and surrounding environment to choose appropriate plants and materials.
Maintenance: plan for ongoing maintenance and upkeep to ensure the restored garden continues to thrive.
The plants used in the Georgian gardens
Georgian gardens often featured a mix of ornamental plants such as roses, tulips, dahlias, and geraniums, as well as fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Some popular ornamental plants during the Georgian era included boxwood, yew, holly, and lavender.

During the Georgian era, the design of gardens was heavily influenced by the formal garden styles of France and Italy, which emphasised symmetry and order. Georgian gardens often featured geometrically shaped flower beds, neatly trimmed hedges, and carefully placed garden ornaments such as statues and fountains.
In addition to the ornamental plants, Georgian gardens were also known for their fruit trees and vegetable gardens. These gardens were often laid out in a separate area of the garden, away from the ornamental plants. This allowed for easier maintenance and harvesting of the fruits and vegetables. Boxwood, yew, holly, and lavender were popular ornamental plants during this time because they were easy to shape and maintain into the desired geometric shapes. Lavender was also popular for its fragrant scent and was often used in potpourri and perfumes.

Overall, Georgian gardens were a reflection of the social and cultural values of the time. They were designed to impress guests and showcase the wealth and status of the garden owners, while also providing a practical space for growing fruits and vegetables.
The colours popular in Georgian gardens
In Georgian gardens, popular colours included pastels such as soft pinks, blues, yellows, and lavenders. Additionally, bright colours like red, orange, and purple were often used as accents.
Georgian gardens were known for their elegance and sophistication, and the colour choices reflected this aesthetic. The pastel colours used in these gardens created a sense of harmony and tranquility, while the brighter colours served to add pops of excitement and contrast.
They often featured symmetrical designs and geometric shapes, such as hedges trimmed into precise patterns.
Flowers and plants were chosen not only for their beauty, but also for their symbolic meanings. For example, roses were associated with love and passion, while lavender was believed to promote relaxation and calmness.
Water features such as fountains and ponds were common in Georgian gardens, adding to the sense of tranquility and beauty.
Many Georgian gardens were designed to be enjoyed from multiple perspectives, with winding paths and strategically placed benches to encourage visitors to pause and take in the beauty from different angles.
Overall, Georgian gardens were a true reflection of the era's style and sophistication, and their influence can still be seen in garden design today. TTT has been restoring a Georgian over the course of the past three years, see @phoebesperrin on instagram for the latest updates.


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