THE UK’s largest walled gardens have been made ready to welcome a new season of visitors at Croome Court.

Rescued from ruin 18 years ago by Chris and Karen Cronin, the historic gardens are a key part of Croome’s famous landscape and the project has continued to be of great interest to visitors.

A spokesman said: “Chris and Karen purchased most of the original garden, and its attached cottage in 2000, after seeing the massive potential even though it was overgrown and completely uninhabitable.

“Although part of Croome’s famous landscape designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, which is now owned and managed by the National Trust, the 18th century walled garden was acquired separately by the Cronin family as a ruin and they have restored the many buildings and large greenhouses with great care and attention.”

The spokesman added: “Ongoing work is carried out during the winter months, but visitors will be able to see the extensive restoration work on the greenhouses, borders and working vegetable plots on special dates throughout the seasons.”

Karin added: “This will the fifth year of regularly opening the gardens to visitors and we are looking forward to revealing some new and exciting developments to the project

“The second phase of a state of the art irrigation system has been going in over the winter as well as work on creating a new Mediterranean garden. We’re also looking forward to hosting outdoor sculpture and indoor art exhibitions this year, showcasing the work of talented and creative artists. There will be opportunities for visitors to meet the artists behind the work on the first Saturday of each exhibition.”

Karen said: “During your visit you can go underground and explore the recently restored tunnels which originally carried hot water pipes as a way of heating the now fully restored glass houses.”

Further information at: : www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome