Sweet peas, swallows, meadows and cream teas – the essence of summer at Easton Walled Gardens and the focus of Sweet Pea Week which begins today (Sunday) and ends on July 6.
You can find over 85 types of heritage, modern, scented, striped, flake and bicolour varieties at Easton, near Grantham, displayed across the pickery, vegetable and cottage gardens.
As well as homegrown sweet peas, visitors can also see summer roses rising up through the long meadow grass and enjoy light lunches – made using ingredients grown in the historic grounds.
There will be a history trail dotted throughout the Pickery, showing the evolution of the Sweet Pea. A fixed display will guide visitors around the 85 varieties, including this year’s new varieties (Watermelon, Purple Pimpernel, ‘bounce’ ground cover and others) while Easton’s team of gardeners will be on hand to answer visitor’s questions throughout.
The Telegraph recently chose Easton Walled Gardens as one of the UK’s top 10 walled gardens, as well as one of its top 25 gourmet garden centres. Directed by Lady Ursula Cholmeley, the ‘lost’ Gardens date back to 1592, and have been revived to their former glory during a decade-long restoration process, after being left abandoned for more than half a century.
Open daily from 11am to 4pm, tickets cost £6.75 for adults and £2.75 per child. Call 01476 530063 or email www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk for details.