RESTORATION work on a Grade II* listed kitchen garden at a Georgian estate has been completed.

Landscape gardener Tom Stuart Smith designed the new look for the neglected walled garden at Middleton Lodge estate, near Middleton Tyas.

Estate owners James and Rebecca Allison have spent the last two years working with Mr Stuart Smith to transform the walled garden into a two-acre garden full of seasonal blooms and home-grown produce.

After planting more than 22,000 bulbs, Mr Stuart Smith and the estate’s head gardener Andrew Webb have created a garden to bloom in all seasons. Divided into different sections, the two-acre space allows guests to explore four unique gardens, including a spring garden, summer garden, prairie garden and the vegetable and fruit garden.

Tom Stuart Smith, comments: “It’s wonderful to see the walled garden at Middleton Lodge brought back to life with such great commitment and vision from a brilliant team. It is intended to be a garden that has some interest throughout the year and a series of really magical moments from the first pear blossom in spring to the colouring of the autumn leaves in October.”

The four gardens are clearly separated with large arbours, built by the estate’s construction team. In the spring garden the arbours are hidden with growing pears and flowing white wisteria.

Mr Allison said: “It’s been a fantastic experience working with Tom over the past two years. Tom’s knowledge and passion for creating such beautiful and seasonal landscapes, alongside our head gardener Andrew’s dedication has helped to transformed our neglected walled garden, into a truly wonderful space that will not only be a stunning backdrop for our wedding, hotel and restaurant guests, but it is also a working food source for the entire estate.

“Andrew has worked closely with our two head chefs on which produce to plant, focusing on a combination of the essentials, alongside those niche vegetables and fruit that will make our dishes stand apart. We can’t wait to see how the garden evolves, grows and connects with nature over the next few years.”

Following the £1.6 million investment, which includes the restoration of the kitchen garden, the estate’s owner and trained architect, Mrs Allison has restored the original Fig House. Once the working greenhouse for the estate, the Fig House has now been transformed into a rustic venue for weddings and private events, overlooking the kitchen garden.

Alongside both restored venue and walled garden being used for weddings and private parties, the spaces will be used for events hosted by Middleton Lodge, including a series of open gardens, foraging workshops, outdoor BBQs and fitness classes, such as yoga and pilates.

The kitchen garden and Fig House will be officially open this May, with the estate’s head gardener, Andrew Webb, providing free garden tours on June 2. Followed by a dinner, tour and talk with Tom Stuart Smith on July 13, tickets can be purchased at the Coach House reception on 01325-377977 or email info@middletonlodge.co.uk.