Citizen 1000

Nestled behind a 14 foot wall lies what is possibly one of Coventry’s most interesting and useful heritage sites.

Allesley Park walled garden, situated behind Allesley Hall has been providing local residents with fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables and wild plants of a bygone age since its rejuvenation 7 years ago.

The Allesley Park Walled Garden Group was formed in 1997, and its founders began researching into the history of the gardens with a view to the restoration of what was then an open space.

Following a proposal to Coventry City Council, with the idea the garden should be restored to its original state; restoration work on the garden began in March 2000.

Traditional working garden

The aim was to recreate where possible, the sights, sounds and tastes of a traditional working garden, producing fruit, flowers and vegetables from the eighteenth century, and to attempt the growth of the old varieties, such as deliciously sweet white carrots, orange beetroot and the unusual purple varieties of beans and cauliflower.

A market is held in the garden on the 3rd Saturday of every month throughout the summer season offering the sale of fresh produce from the garden as well as home made jams and chutneys provided by a small army of dedicated volunteers.

Various other events and workshops are organised throughout the year culminating in the popular and educational annual Heritage Weekend Event, which is taking place this coming weekend.

I visited the garden to find preparations for the big event well underway. A team of volunteers were busy tidying and clearing the garden space and I had an opportunity to speak with Maureen Harris, one of the Walled Garden Group directors.

There will be plenty of activities for all the family to participate in over the course of the weekend.

Heritage weekend

On Saturday; the garden market takes place from 10.30am - 12.30pm with the sale of fresh produce from the garden as well craft, wild plant and book stalls and at
11:30am there is a chance for visitors to vote in the Children’s Miniature Garden Competition.

On Sunday; from 11am – 4pm there will be a Floral Art Exhibition by Coventry Flower Club, based around a Victorian theme and George Elliot. Hedgerow foods and recipes will be also be on sale and of course the market stalls will be up and running again on this day.

On both days; from 2pm until 4pm there will be a host of children activities including
plate painting, a scavenger hunt, lots of quizzes and bird boxes to make, with plenty of things going on for adults as well.

Maureen informed me; the event is likely to attract visitors from throughout the region and has been a hugely successful in previous years.

So, for an active, fun, day out that is a little different and for the whole family to enjoy, go along this weekend, to the Allesley Walled Garden in Allesley Park, Coventry to learn more about this unique project  and experience the smells, sights and sounds of a typical 18th century garden, or just to get involved in the festivities.

The event runs on Saturday, 8 September and Sunday, 9 September from 10am - 4pm.

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Paula is part of BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's Citizen 1000 project, for more information and to find out how to apply, click on the link below: