Timeline
Circa 1810
Likely date of construction, using local stone and locally fired brick
1810 – 1968
Used as a garden for the supply of vegetables and fruit to the Hadspen Estate. Occasionally, as a tree nursery.
1968 – 1979
Transformed into an ornamental garden by Penelope Hobhouse, with much reduced vegetable production.
First opened to the public, and with nursery sales of hostas, cultivated by Eric Smith.
1976
The Country Gardener, by Penelope Hobhouse, published -a record of her work restoring the garden at Hadspen.
1980-1988
This pattern continues under various managements.
1989-2005
Completely replanted by Nori and Sandra Pope. Nursery much enlarged.
Public visits exceed 20,000 annually.
1998
Colour by Design by Nori and Sandra Pope published, documenting their work transforming the garden, and as plant producers.
July 2005
Foreign Office Architects(FOA) begin extended research for re-landscaping of the Walled Garden.
Autumn 2005
Garden closes for relandscaping, following Nori and Sandra Pope’s retirement from active gardening at Hadspen.
January 2006
First draft of FOA project completed.
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August 2006
Website launched.
Late summer and Autumn 2006
Site clearance completed; FOA reassess details of project; judging panel finalized
Feb – April 2007
Shortlisting of candidates.
Spring 2007
New path layout executed, and the whole garden put to grass.
May - June 2007
Interviews and appointment of new gardener - minimum 3 year term.
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The date at which the garden may be reopened to the public, if at all, to be decided by the management team when in place.
It will be possible for serious gardeners and journalists to visit the garden throughout; large scale public opening in the future is a possibility only if it is felt that this does not compromise individual experience of the garden.