NOT only with trowels, but with spades, forks, and rakes, at the
second open day at the Bishop's Palace, Southwell,
another enthusiastic gang turned up, eager to get their hands dirty
in the new Education Garden, which is part of the restoration plan
for the palace ruins, once the home of Thomas Wolsey.
On 1 April, the first volunteer gardeners had planted the winter
border, the knot garden, and the herb parterre - each interpreting
a historic moment of the Palace's use. A month later, the
volunteers have tackled the creation of a Gertrude Jekyll border
that runs the whole length of the gable of the Palace, and a call
went out for any spare herbaceous plants to help fill it up.
Charlie Leggatt, who is co-ordinating the project, says that
they are planning "to connect the Palace with the outside space
physically and intellectually, enhancing understanding". There will
be "a programme for school groups, and informal learning
opportunities for adults and families".