The Walled Garden

About The Walled Garden

The five acre Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden was designed by Capability Brown for John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, soon after he acquired the estate in 1763. Former Prime Minister and First Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, his garden at Luton Hoo contributed to his reputation as a noted botanist and horticulturalist.

Successive owners of the estate adapted the garden to match the changing fashions in gardens over the years. Numerous heated glasshouses were built by the Leigh family in the last quarter of the 19th century for the production of fruit and flowers, only a few of these survive today. The largest of the glasshouses, built by the firm of Mackenzie and Moncur for Sir Julius and Lady Wernher, is evidence of the extravagance of the Edwardian period.

The Walled Garden is now the focus of a fascinating project carried out by an dynamic team of volunteer gardeners working along side researchers, historians, a restoration and conservation team and a vibrant education team. The Walled Garden Volunteer Project celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2022. In keeping with it’s rich history the garden is constantly evolving. The Walled Garden continues to be researched, restored, repaired and re-imagined for the enjoyment of all.

Unique service buildings inc a vinery, fernery and propagation houses. Exhibition of Victorian tools.