Exactly two months have passed since the foundations were laid and the new wall has already consumed 20,000 bricks and 20 tonnes of lime mortar. The first coping stones are lifted into position.

 Meanwhile, the Eastern border receives some long awaited attention from Dave.

The Friends of Croome gather outside the garden gate as we make a few last minute adjustments to the seating layout on the terrace. It hardly seems like a year has passed since their last annual visit to the gardens when we had the pleasure of hosting fourty or so friends in total. This year, much to our delight, numbers had more than doubled. As ever before, the sun eventually made its way through the morning mist, as if not wanting to be excluded from the credits. With twelve months of good progress on the agenda there was much to show and tell, as we zig zagged our way around the gardens.

Thanks again to you all for demonstrating your continual support and appreciation for our efforts. Rest assured that your kind donations will be put to good use. And thank you Mr. Jones for your very warm words. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Kindest regards

Karen & Chris

All photographs were taken by John Willis who has kindly permitted us to use them in this article.

Sometimes it's hard to come to terms with change, even when you know it's for the greater good. The integrity of the Walled Garden was first breached in 1999, when planning permission was granted for a garage block to be built within it's south west corner. This legacy has resulted in the need to construct a new wall along the line of the 'Hot Wall', in order to preserve the spirit and general function of the historic site.

The scorching summer spell is abruptly halted as a dark rain cloud emerges from the south, carrying a payload of much needed sustenance to the local ecology. Several days pass and the rain continues to fall in heavy showers, forever reminding us of the need to recognise the importance of the 'Dipping Pond' and it's historic function within the gardens.

Spring returns with re-assuring consistency, bestowing it's veritable feast of colour and beauty upon the Walled Gardens of Croome. Memories of winter fade fast as we shift our attentions towards the new season. Never a dull moment round here.. . 

For those who were enjoying a Sunday morning snooze at Croome, here's a sample of what you were missing. It snowed heavily during the small hours but, as the sun began to rise, the snow rapidly melted away.

Things are really starting to take shape in the woodland as more new shrubs are planted.

Restoration to the North East corner of the walls continues to advance at a rapid pace, in spite of adverse weather conditions.

One of our main objectives for this year is to significantly expand production of fruit and vegetables; in terms of volume and variety. The intention is to supply the NT with produce from the garden to supplement the new canteen. Some rearranging of the beds is required.

As the wheel of time turns, we prepare for the coming year with a new mood. Previous development plans, which threatened the very existence of these historic gardens, no longer stand in the way of the restoration project.