Blenheim gardens win top UK award (From The Oxford Times)

Blenheim gardens win top UK award

6:09pm Friday 29th May 2009 in News By Jen Rivett

THE 90 acres of formal grounds at Blenheim Palace have been crowned Garden of the Year.

The Duke of Marlborough’s Woodstock home was judged by the Historic Houses Association to have the best gardens among the association’s 1,500 members.

The award was presented to joint head gardeners Hilary and Trevor Wood — the husband and wife team behind the five gardens and arboretum.

Mrs Wood, 52, who has been head gardener for the past 15 years, said: “It was a complete surprise. We didn’t even know that the grounds had been entered for the award and the first we knew of it was when my boss sat us down and said we had won.

“We were absolutely amazed — there was no preparing for it as we didn’t know that the judges were coming around. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

The award, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, recognises gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal.

'We didn’t even know that the grounds had been entered'

Joint head gardener Hilary Wood

Made up of a secret garden, the Marlborough Maze, Italian gardens, water terraces and a rose garden, Blenheim’s grounds are tended by a team of 12 people.

Mrs Wood, whose son Matthew, 22, is also a gardener at the palace, said the judges were especially impressed by the secret garden and the overall grandeur of the grounds.

She said: “The three-acre lawn, which is cut twice a week, looks so idyllic and lush and the hedges are cut with spirit levels.”

She added: “Everyone is so impressed with the way we keep it.

“It’s a good mixture of things, we have got the formal gardens and the water terraces.

“The secret garden is an informal garden and the general public can relate to that, with plants that they can use in their own back gardens.

“We try to make it a ‘four seasons’ garden, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you go around, there is always colour.”

The Duke of Marlborough said: “We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious award in recognition of the formal gardens here at Blenheim Palace.

“This award recognises the vision and enthusiasm of my illustrious ancestors as well as celebrating the excellent work undertaken here today by the gardens team.”

Edward Harley, president of the Historic Houses Association, said: “It is very fitting that we are presenting the award this year to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace.

“His Grace’s exemplary care and development of these magnificent gardens has been a lifetime devotion.”

Charles Cator, deputy chairman of Christie’s International — which sponsors the competition — said: “The vast park and gardens of Blenheim Palace are immaculately kept with attention to every detail, and could not be a more fitting setting for such an illustrious country house.”