Download here: Laudation by Davorin Gazvoda
This English Heritage garden has a wide range of areas from beach, natural woodland and meadows to formal gardens, a kitchen garden, and perennial borders. Although it is a historic garden where groups of plants are maintained in certain areas, modern and more exotic plant species are used.
The replanted herbaceous borders in the Broadwalk Garden were unveiled in 2016. The colour and planting of the double borders is inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. A visually striking feature of the Broadwalk is the organic undulating ‘cloud’ hedge.
The Queen Mother’s Garden is laid out along classical lines, reflecting Penelope Hobhouse’s interest in Islamic gardens. The result is a tranquil combination of still water, lush planting, and cool shade. When it opened in July 1997 it was the first new garden created by English Heritage. It launched a design programme for other contemporary gardens at English Heritage properties.
A £2.3m project restored the wildflower meadow known as the Paddock and the planted former chalk quarry known as the Glen. Paths have been restored to historic plans and historic sites have been helped to recover their natural flora, fauna, and habitats, such as the fragile and distinctive chalk grassland flora and fauna. The Glen has been re-created, inspired by the evergreen planting mentioned in letters written by Lady Hester Stanhope, and the ‘keyhole’ view has been re-established.
The 1st Prize for Walmer Castle also recognises the work and achievements of English Heritage in the conservation and development of historic and cultural heritage and in particular garden culture.