Nesfield's grand work revisted by great- great- granddaughter at Witley Court, near Worcester

(Link to hi-res photos by Mark Radford available at the bottom of the release)

William Nesfield’s gardens have an international reputation, and yesterday (Wednesday 18 July 2012), one of his descendants returned to Witley Court in Worcester to replace one of the trees that originally formed part of the grand design.

Emma Nesfield, who is the great- great- granddaughter of William Nesfield visited Witley Court to plant a cedar sapling between the East Parterre and the South Parterre, restoring another part of Witley Court’s planting scheme. The sapling is a graft from the original tree, which was planted in the 1850s but was felled a decade ago, and it is hoped that this will also stand for the next 150 years.

“It seems a fitting tribute to have a member of the Nesfield family return to replace this tree to take us another step closer to William Nesfield’s original design,” comments head gardener, Richard Squires. “We’ve spent a huge amount of time carefully researching the design and layouts of both the East and South Parterres, and this tree sits between the two, completing the design. We were pleased that we could save a graft from the original tree, so just like Emma is to William Nesfield, this is a direct descendant of the original planting.”

Emma has been intrigued and delighted by the restoration work that has been undertaken by English Heritage at Witley Court. “My visit is perfectly timed to see the East Parterre’s summer bedding in full bloom, which was fantastic to see. I think it is wonderful that I have renewed the family connection by planting this tree,” says Emma. “Although I am living in London now, having a couple of acres to plan and plant in the future is a clear goal – although I am sure that I’ll never quite develop the same great water schemes that William Nesfield created!”

The tree planting could not be better planned to give Emma a superb view of one of the largest restoration projects since English Heritage took over the garden. The East Parterre’s summer bedding is coming into full bloom, with colour punctuating the box hedge and coloured gravel framework that is a hallmark of this formal garden.

Emma also saw the garden centrepiece – the stunning Perseus and Andromeda fountain – firing during her visit. The fountain, which measures 54 metres across, and features 120 jets including a central jet that shoots water up to 27 metres into the air, has been compared to the Trevi fountain and those at Versailles for its beauty. The fountain fires at regular intervals throughout the day.

Witley Court is open daily throughout the summer from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily, with admission prices of £6.50 for adults, £5.90 for concessions and £3.90 for children. A family ticket (two adults and up to three children) costs just £16.90.

For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley or call 01299 896636.

You can also follow Witley Court & Gardens on Facebook.

ENDS

Pictures show:  Richard Squires and Emma Nesfield (in red) in the gardens of Witley Court. Many more pictures of the visit are available on request. Please credit images to English Heritage / Mark Radford.

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk