Project to restore Edwardian walled garden at Lotherton Hall takes root as Leeds residents asked to help

The walled garden at Lotherton Hall was designed at the end of the 19th century by Mrs Laura Gwendolen Gascoigne, the wife of Colonel Frederick R.T.T. Gascoigne who inherited the estate in 1893.

Over the years the garden has deteriorated and nutrients have been drained from the soil, meaning that its famous rose bushes and other flowers have been unable to thrive.

With the garden now being restored to the jewel of the estate that it once was, those with an interest in keeping its memory alive are being urged to get involved by supporting a rose bush.

Ten different varieties of roses can be chosen from, all of which were common at the start of the 20th century when it was first designed.

Tonnes of soil have been dug up and replaced in preparation for around 100 bushes to be planted this spring, with more to come in 2027.

Each person supporting a rose bush, at £75 each or £65 for members, will also be able to choose the exact plot where it is planted.

Ed O’Connell, a specialist gardener at Lotherton Hall, said: “We’ve been working hard for the last few months on this careful restoration of the garden, digging up and replacing soil so that we can plant new roses.

“The varieties we have chosen were all popular around the time that Mrs Gascoigne first designed the gardens, so people who decide to support our project can choose from beautiful roses like Rosa Gallica 'versicolor' and Rosa 'Belle Isis'.”

The walled garden is thought to first have been built before 1810 and was heated by flued walls that allowed more exotic plants to grow.

With a keen interest in garden design and extensive botanical knowledge, Mrs Gascoigne started transforming it into an ‘old-fashioned’ garden in 1893, filled with rose beds and herbaceous borders with scented flowers, tender creepers and perennials.

Mrs Gasgoigne’s son, Sir Alvary Gascoigne, inherited the Lotherton Estate in 1931 and became its last private owner before he gifted it to the people of Leeds in 1969.

Supporting a rose bush costs £75, or £65 for members, and also includes a framed certificate, an annual celebratory event, and the option to sign a ledger which will become part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries archives.

The scheme launched in April and anyone interested is urged to email [email protected]. You can read more about Lotherton Hall and what’s on at the Leeds Museums and Galleries website.