Lydiard Park‘s historic Walled Garden is now a stunning kaleidoscope of colour, all thanks to the generous contribution of the Friends of Lydiard Park. The group has donated £2,500 to support the revitalisation of the 18th-century garden, ensuring it is bursting with life throughout the spring and summer months.
The money, which was put to excellent use by Lydiard Park’s Head Gardener, Andy Dyer, helped fund the planting of 9,000 spring bulbs, including tulips, hyacinths and narcissi. These vibrant flowers not only create a beautiful display for visitors but also offer essential nourishment for early pollinators.
Andy, along with fellow gardeners Chloe Dyer and Helen Byrne, worked closely with the Swindon Borough Council Grounds team to bring the vision to life, with the support of dedicated volunteers. Together, they have transformed the flower beds into a dazzling spectacle that now greets those who visit the garden.
The Walled Garden, a historical gem tucked behind the Coach House café, was originally designed by the St John family in the 1740s. The rhombus-shaped garden once served as both a place to grow fruit and flowers and as a peaceful spot for the family to enjoy after dinner.
On 10 April, Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, joined members of the Friends of Lydiard Park, along with Andy Dyer and several volunteers, to admire the blooming garden. Councillor Strinkovsky was full of praise for the team’s efforts:
“Wow! The Walled Garden is one of Lydiard’s treasure troves, and to see it resplendent in vibrant colours was simply breathtaking. Andy, his team, and all the volunteers have done an amazing job, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for enhancing what was already one of the best flower and fruit-growing gardens. But none of this would have been possible without the support of the Friends of Lydiard Park, as their kind donation has helped elevate the Walled Garden to another level.”
Julie Holland, Secretary of The Friends of Lydiard Park, expressed her gratitude for the team’s hard work and dedication:
“A heartfelt thank you to Andy and his remarkable team for their vision, dedication, and hard work. The tulips are a stunning tribute – unique and rich with historical meaning – that beautifully honour the legacy of the Walled Garden and its special place in Lydiard Park’s heritage. You’ve brought history to life with colour and care.”
For those wanting to experience the beauty of the Walled Garden for themselves, it’s open to the public with details available on the Lydiard Park website: www.lydiardpark.org.uk/visit/walled-garden.
For more on the Friends of Lydiard Park, visit: www.friendsoflydiardpark.org.uk.
