Devon Italianate garden set for restoration

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have banded together in Devon to help kick-start a renovation project that will see an historic site restored to its former glory.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Lupton Trust is to begin work on the Grade II-listed Lupton House and its 19th-century Italianate garden.

The project is being assisted by a £200,000 grant from English Heritage, but progress could be slow at first as little documentary evidence remains of the original site, which has fallen into a state of disrepair.

While many of the garden’s original features still remain, the trust is having to piece together a picture of the site using just a few old images, archaeological evidence and an oil painting created by William Callow in 1860.

The garden contains detailed paths, balustrades and a fountain, as well as an octagonal aviary that has lain empty for two decades.

On completion, Lupton House will be used as an events venue and the garden will provide horticulture enthusiasts with inspiration.

In other news, the RHS recently spoke to Pennard Plants expert Chris Smith about his firm’s plans for the London Autumn Harvest Show.