Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden in Richmond will open to the public to raise funds for Richmond charity, Just the Job.
The garden was built by John Yorke II, who lived with his wife Anne in a 17th Century mansion, which stood near the Green by the banks of the River Swale.
Their Richmond estate included the house, stables (now the car park on the Green), formal gardens (much loved by Anne), the walled kitchen garden, the Green Walk, Culloden Tower and Temple Grounds.
Mr Yorke’s family mansion was demolished in the early 19th century, and the Walled Garden was later used as a market garden.
In the 1980s it was planted with a variety of interesting saplings that were to be grown on for sale, but many were left and are now mature.
The current owners, Dennis and Marcia McLuckie have retained trees and, where possible, the outline of the original paths, whilst restoring and redesigning the garden.
The garden extends to over an acre and has mature deciduous and coniferous trees, shrubs, fruit trees old and new, lawns, parterres, herbaceous borders, roses, ponds, a stream and a vegetable garden. A tranquil place to take time out from the bustle of life outside the walls.
The garden continues to develop with new hedges and more roses added since last opening in 2021 and a summer house is in progress.
Marcia said: “There is still much to do – a whole area of uncharted territory still awaits our attention.
“We won’t pretend the garden is perfect and weed free – it is a lot to keep on top of between the two of us and Iris, who helps for a few hours each week, but we want to share the garden rather than keep it secretly behind its enormous walls.
“We also want to give support to local charites and opening the garden is an enjoyable way for us and our visitors to help.
“It feels more like a garden party than anything more formal.”
Marcia added: “Just the Job is a very worthwhile local charity.
“Their ‘Big Green Build’ is a pioneering project for the local area, incorporating solar panels, green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation. Dennis and I are very pleased to open the garden to raise funds towards the new building”.
Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden, Cravengate, Richmond, DL10 4RE is open Sunday 13th August, 1 – 5.30pm.
Admission for adults is £6. Children under 16 are admitted free. Homemade cakes, refreshments and plants on sale. Proceeds from ticket sales and refreshments will go towards funding Just the Job’s Big Green Build. There is no card machine so please make payment in cash.
There is no parking at the garden. Visitors are asked to park in Newbiggin, the Market Place or car parks at Nuns Close and The Green. The garden is on a hill. Main grass paths are accessible with a wheelchair, but they are quite steep.
For further information please email marcia@yorkshirecountryholidays.co.uk or call 07740 927 608.
