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Court Farm Garden

Garden Project

There is an old wall surrounding a garden at Court Farm, it was known as ‘the lawn’ in the early part of last century.

Early in 2010, Elisabeth Whittle, Inspector of Historic Parks and Gardens, Cadw, visited the garden remains at Court Farm and concluded that:

‘The physical remains of compartments and terracing around the house [on three levels, suggests that some, or all of the area played a role, in part at least, as an ornamental garden, including the orchard’.

In view of this, the Friends wish to explore the possibility of re-creating an Elizabethan garden in the walled area of the property. The orchard is not owned by the Trust.

The Trust has given its approval to this idea.

It is not intended to be the ‘Kenilworth of Carmarthenshire’[Kenilworth Elizabethan Garden , English Heritage] a two million restoration project in Warwickshire but a project they can reasonably fund and find funding to assist them with their endeavour.

However, they need advice and guidance in these matters from appropriate, knowledgeable and experienced bodies in order to take the project forward and will consult with appropriate bodies who can help to resolve the issues and research required.

 In early 2011, talks began with the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust. Two representatives of the Trust visited Court Farm; they were particularly impressed with the building and intrigued by the garden. They have indicated they are interested that there will be collaboration to restore the garden to its Tudor origins,

providing an educational and attractive resource. They promised to report back to the Trust accordingly. We look forward to their response.

On hearing that we wish to restore the gardens, Liz Whittle said that she was pleased to hear of our idea and that

‘ For a site as sensitive as this I would suggest that before any work is undertaken you commission an archaeological survey of the area you propose to turn into a garden. This might reveal elements of original layout (paths etc) or built structures that have gone. These could then be incorporated into your final scheme. Any significant remains that are found should be respected and would add to the historical significance of the site.’

 We will take on board what she has said and seek advice and support with this. 

The Friends will endeavour to proceed with this project and look forward to the collaboration and work a head.

It is hoped that the project will attract volunteers interested in helping to restore the gardens.