Restoring walled garden’s legacy is coming up roses

Currently being restored to its former glory, the walled garden at Lotherton Hall was designed at the end of the 19^th century by Mrs Laura Gwendolen Gascoigne, the wife of Colonel Frederick R.T.T. Gascoigne who inherited the estate in 1893.

Over the years the garden has sadly deteriorated with nutrients having drained from the soil, meaning the rose bushes and other flowers have not been able to thrive.

With the garden now being restored to the jewel of the estate that it once was, those with an interest in keeping its memory alive can get involved by supporting a rose bush.

Ten different varieties of roses can be chosen from, all of which were common at the start of the 20^th century.

Tonnes of soil have been dug up and replaced in preparation for around 100 bushes to be planted this spring, with more to come in 2027.

Each person supporting a rose will also be able to choose the exact plot where their bush is planted.

Ed O’Connell, a specialist gardener at Lotherton Hall, said: “We’ve been working hard for the last few months on this careful restoration of the garden, digging up and replacing soil so that we can plant new roses.

“The varieties we have chosen were all popular around the time that Mrs Gascoigne first designed the gardens, so people who decide to support our project can choose from beautiful roses like Rosa Gallica 'versicolor' and Rosa 'Belle Isis'.”

The walled garden is thought to first have been built before 1810 and was heated by flued walls, which meant more exotic plants could grow.

With a keen interest in garden design and extensive botanical knowledge, Mrs Gascoigne started transforming it into an ‘old-fashioned’ garden in 1893, filled with rose beds and herbaceous borders with scented flowers, tender creepers and perennials. 

Mrs Gasgoigne’s son, Sir Alvary Gascoigne, inherited the Lotherton Estate in 1931 and became its last private owner before he gifted it to the people of Leeds in 1969.

Supporting a rose bush costs £75, or £65 for members, and also includes a framed certificate, an annual celebratory event, and the option to sign a ledger which will become part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries archives.

The scheme launched in April and any interest can be expressed by email to philip.stevens@leeds.gov.uk.

Read more about Lotherton Hall and what’s on at Lotherton | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

ENDS