Madresfield Court - October

Join us for an exclusive experience at the beautiful Madresfield Court. The day will start with Head Gardener David Butt leading a tour of the stunning gardens. Highlights include the formal gardens and lawns, a Pulhamite rock garden from 1879, a herbaceous border with a sundial inscribed “that day is wasted on which we have not laughed,” a pleached lime tree arbour, a wild garden, and numerous ornamental trees.

Joining the tour is Francesca Murray, a gardener and garden history enthusiast. Francesca is pursuing a PhD at Queen Mary University of London on nineteenth-century gardeners and nurserymen. She holds a Master’s in Garden History from the University of Buckingham and contributes articles to Perennial and serves as a trustee of the Gardens Trust. Francesca will share her extensive knowledge throughout the day.

Madresfield Court's head gardeners were pioneers in horticulture during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Mr William Cox introduced the Madresfield Grape, parent to many grape varieties, and Mr William Crump VMH (1843-1932) introduced the William Crump Apple, renowned for its rich and aromatic flavour. They also inspired local fundraising for the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution, the precursor to Perennial.

Other features of interest include the Ginkgo Avenue planted for autumn colour, the Yew Garden of Mawson design, Caesars’ Lawn with busts of the twelve Roman Emperors, and the grave of Shadrach; Lord Raglan rode him during the Crimea landings and the Battle of Inkerman in 1854. Shadrach survived and returned to Madresfield. Our tour guide will be Head Gardener David Butt.

After the garden tour we will depart to a nearby eatery for lunch.

Please email us (events@perennial.org.uk) to book this event.

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