In 2016, to mark the 300th anniversary of Beningbrough Hall, Andy Sturgeon was selected to design the long-term plan to refresh, improve, and in some areas re-invent the historic, eight-acre garden.

Landscaped by Blakedown Landscapes, Sturgeon’s design for the new Mediterranean garden represents the latest phase in the Trust’s long-term, rejuvenation plan for the garden.   Throughout the design and implementation, the historic views were to be maintained and improved, new planting schemes created, and areas re-invented. Sturgeon’s  approach to the landscape ensured that all areas of the garden are cohesive and in keeping with Beningbrough Hall.

“Sandwiched between the Hall and the Walled Garden it was predominantly lawn and a few cherry trees and cypresses and was more or less a blank canvas. The ground was gently sloping which was a gift as it allowed us to make sure excess water drained off and free draining soil was imported and gently mounded to enhance the contouring. What we have created is in effect a vast gravel garden. Long low walls made from local York stone allow these contemporary architectural elements to sit comfortably in the historical setting and I hope that it will feel quite timeless. I think the success of this garden comes from the marriage of the ancient red brick walls, the presence of the Hall towering over it and the elegance and textural beauty of the new planting, ” explained Sturgeon.

The Mediterranean garden features a series of dry stone walls, rill – set atop the drystone walls which flows into newly constructed pond with stepping stones. Sandstone boulders evoke an essence of a Mediterranean hillside, together with water bowls spaced to attract wildlife and create reflections throughout the garden. Winding footpaths, constructed from a variety of surfaces including Breedon self-binding gravel, provide access throughout. A complex system of drainage was installed to ensure this garden, which is close to the River Ouse, remains free draining ensuring the carefully selected plant species by Sturgeon Design, thrive.

Over 4,000 herbaceous perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs from Mediterranean climate zones around the world, have been planted by staff and volunteers from across the garden team and wider National Trust. Planting is complemented by the use of locally quarried, sustainable Yorkstone in bowls, boulders and stones.

Once established, the garden is designed to thrive without the need for supplementary watering. This garden is designed to adapt to a changing climate with plant selections chosen for their resilience to hotter, drier summers and wetter winters.

“In the UK we can expect warmer summers with prolonged dry periods and drought, but also an increase in very wet days, particularly in winter. We need to start changing the way we garden and I have taken the opportunity to embrace this at Beningbrough. What we have created is in effect a vast gravel garden that sits comfortably in the historic setting – I hope that it will feel quite timeless,” said Sturgeon.

Chris Wellbelove, Director of Blakedown Landscapes said: “We are immensely proud to have contributed the hard landscaping to this transformative project, which will enhance the beauty and sustainability of Beningbrough Hall’s gardens for future generations. This marks Blakedown’s second phase of works at Beningbrough Hall, following our collaboration with the National Trust on the creation of the Pergola Garden, one of the first major phases of the garden vision, in 2018.”

Specialising in landscaping and civil engineering projects, Blakedown Landscapes recently worked along with the RHS Wisley garden team, to make the new Oudolf Landscape at RHS Wisley a reality.