Stonard Gardens: A Fresh Face for an Old Favorite
After years of welcoming countless visitors through its gates, the gardens surrounding the historic castle are finally receiving their much-anticipated renovation. “It needed a bit of TLC and we’ve known that for some time,” Stonard remarked, acknowledging what regular visitors had likely noticed themselves. The worn paths and tired landscaping had long been due for refreshment, especially as visitor numbers continued to climb year after year. This renovation represents more than mere maintenance—it’s a recognition of the gardens’ importance to the overall visitor experience and cultural heritage of the site.
The timing of this garden renovation follows the recently completed refurbishment of the castle keep, which Stonard describes as “magnificent.” The castle restoration project, the crown jewel of the site’s preservation efforts, took priority and required more time than initially projected. Such delays are common in historical restoration work, where craftspeople often discover unexpected challenges beneath centuries of history. The completed keep now stands as a testament to thoughtful preservation, combining historical accuracy with modern accessibility standards that allow visitors to truly appreciate the site’s significance.
Patience proved necessary for the garden renovation team, who had to wait until the castle keep project reached completion before bringing in their equipment. “We had to wait for that to be completed before we could move all these diggers and earthmovers in to do this work,” Stonard explained. The logistics of managing heavy machinery around a delicate historical site presented significant challenges. Careful planning went into ensuring the garden renovation wouldn’t damage the recently completed castle work or disturb archaeological features that might lie beneath the surface. This sequential approach, while time-consuming, protects the site’s historical integrity.
The garden renovation represents a balancing act between historical authenticity and modern functionality. Landscape architects are working to create spaces that honor the original design intentions while accommodating today’s larger crowds and contemporary expectations. Improved drainage systems, wheelchair-accessible pathways, and strategic resting areas are being incorporated without compromising the gardens’ historical character. Native plantings and period-appropriate garden features will help visitors connect with how the space might have appeared during different eras of the castle’s long history.
When completed, the garden renovation promises to transform the visitor experience. “When it’s finished I think it’s going to be magnificent,” Stonard predicted with evident enthusiasm. The refreshed gardens will provide enhanced viewing angles of the castle, create more comfortable spaces for contemplation, and offer educational opportunities about historical gardening practices. Seasonal plantings will ensure the landscape remains vibrant throughout the year, giving locals reason to return regularly and offering different experiences to tourists depending on when they visit. These gardens will serve as both frame and complement to the impressive castle keep.
The investment in both the castle keep and surrounding gardens reflects a holistic approach to heritage preservation. Rather than focusing solely on the main architectural feature, site managers recognize that visitors experience historical places as complete environments. The gardens provide crucial context, helping people imagine how the castle functioned as a living, working space throughout its history. As this “facelift” nears completion, it represents not just aesthetic improvement but a deeper commitment to storytelling through landscape—ensuring future generations can continue to connect meaningfully with this cherished historical treasure.
