London in Bloom 2017 Award Winners

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS WIN HERITAGE PARK OF THE YEAR 2017

London in Bloom provides regional awards and forms part of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom campaign. Formed in 1967 over 300 parks, gardens and communities have been judged this summer across London.

The annual awards are where London in Bloom celebrates the efforts of communities, parks and individuals who do so much to make London a special place to live, work and visit. This year marks a special occasion for the awards as it celebrates its 50 year anniversary.

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust entered the London in Bloom Heritage Parks and Gardens category and London in Bloom Walled Garden of the year category.

We are delighted to announce that Chiswick House and Gardens Trust have been awarded the following London in Bloom Awards:

  • ‘Heritage Parks & Garden Award for 2017’(overall category winner)
  • Heritage Parks & Gardens – Gold
  • Walled Garden – Gold
  • ‘London in Bloom People’s Choice Award for parks’
  • The ‘Our Community Award 2017 ‘ Awarded to the Chiswick House Kitchen Garden Volunteers joint winner with Charlton Community Gardens Greenwich
  • Royal Horticultural Society and London in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Award’ for theChiswick House Kitchen Garden volunteers – Outstanding

 

The 64-acre Grade I listed Estate is maintained by a small team comprising of the Garden Estate Manager, a Kitchen Gardener, two Gardeners and two Rangers who work with over 50 volunteers to garden the walled garden, formal gardens and conservation works throughout. In partnership with Head Gardener and Gavin Jones Grounds Maintenance who maintain all lawns, hedges, sports facilities and litter.

Geraldine King CHGT Garden Estate Manager comments

“I am overjoyed to see all of the hard work and commitment from the Trust team, Gavin Jones and our volunteers recognised by the Awards we received today. To be voted the People’s Choice Award this year is very touching and makes me proud to work as part of this team.”

Clare O’Brien CHGT Director comments

“Chiswick House & Gardens are so proud to be rewarded for the care we take to maintain this heritage estate. We are grateful to the judges of London in Bloom for recognising us for the 2nd consecutive year with gold awards for both the Park and the Kitchen Garden.”

– Ends –

Media Enquiries:

Sam Glenister-Batey – Head of Commercial Activity & Marketing – sam.glenister-batey@chgt.org.uk

 

Notes to editors

Background

Chiswick House is an 18th century villa set in classically landscaped gardens in West London. One of the earliest and finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the UK, the house was designed from 1727-29 by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork, and his associate the painter, gardener and architect, William Kent. Both the house and its gardens are Grade 1 listed and the villa itself is a scheduled ancient monument.

Upon the Earl of Burlington’s death, the house and gardens passed through his daughter’s line into the Cavendish Family, the Dukes of Devonshire. After the death of the 8th Duke, the Estate was sold to Middlesex County Council in 1929. The villa was subsequently given to the Ministry of Works in 1956, in order to repair the building and restore it for the nation. In April 2017, the house and gardens were united under one management for the first time in almost 70 years.

 

The Walled Kitchen Garden

The Walled Gardens at Chiswick House date back to 1682, when they were created by Sir Stephen Fox who lived in the adjoining Moreton Hall.

In 1812, the 6th Duke of Devonshire purchased Moreton Hall and demolished the house, incorporating its Kitchen Garden into the grounds of Chiswick House. After Chiswick House and Gardens were purchased by public subscription in 1929 the Kitchen Garden faded from memory, being left neglected and closed to the public. The Chiswick House Kitchen Garden project began in February 2005 as a voluntary group dedicated to reviving the gardens and teaching local residents about horticulture and growing food.

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust are cultivating the garden as a community and educational resource and as a thriving kitchen garden. Workshops are run for school children and the community garden is offered for therapeutic horticulture. The Trust is very grateful for the help of the volunteers.

Chiswick House & Gardens Trust

Chiswick House & Gardens Trust is a registered charity, created jointly by English Heritage and the London Borough of Hounslow. The Trust is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of this outstanding Grade I listed villa and registered Grade I Gardens, which have been enjoyed as a public park since 1929. www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk