A Scarecrow and a Secret Garden

While visiting Calke Abbey we explored the 600 acres around it. There's quite a lot to see and difficult to take it all in with just one visit.

We noticed a high wall surrounding something. Not knowing what was behind it, we had to go and investigate.

There's an old Shakin' Stevens song from the 80s and the lyric goes "Green Door what's that secret you're keeping"?

We soon found out. Behind the green door was a lovely hidden, walled garden.

According to the National Trust, the gardens were set out by the Abbey's owner, Sir Harry Harpur and his son between 1770 and 1820.

The family would have grown their fruit and vegetables here back in the day. It must have been good to be self sufficient using no pesticides.

The garden has inspired me to set a few wild flowers in my communal garden. I like the idea of a garden that looks after itself.

There was also an orangery
dating back to 1777. It is home to a few tropical plants. You can just sit in there and smell the flowers and watch the world go by. An interesting visit.