Industry News

Creative gardener and artist Becky Crowley has been appointed as Raby Castle, Park and Garden’s assistant head gardener in the remodelled 18^th century Walled Gardens.

The revitalised 300-year-old Walled Gardens, which feature three different gardens encased within the historic brick walls, reopened in summer last year following a collaboration between Lady Barnard, creative director and custodian of Raby Castle, and world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.

Introduced by Luciano, and with a specialism in cut flower gardens, Becky will work alongside gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding and his team to ensure the vision for the five-acre space is fulfilled.

Becky said: “Every garden naturally takes on a life and soul of its own and our priority is to make sure we understand Lady Barnard and Luciano’s overall vision. We will be working closely with Luciano to nurture his design and help develop this as the gardens and plants mature.

“It was a great experience to work with Luciano and his team on the development of the cutting garden at such an early stage, and now I am really looking forward to seeing it all flourish in its first full year. There’s also a gentle understatement within the overall space and the planting.

“The opportunity to work with such a friendly and welcoming team in a place steeped in history doesn’t come along very often at all – it really is the whole package – and I feel very fortunate to be working here.”

Luciano and Lady Barnard have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded. The East Garden is home to a flower garden of grasses and perennials above the tiered grass amphitheater capable of seating 300 people; the Formal Garden is where guests can see the historic Raby Yew hedge; and the productive West Garden is dedicated to growing an abundance of flowers for cutting.

Dickon added: “The Walled Gardens have always been a special place but the remodelling by Luciano and Lady Barnard has produced something even more wonderful. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey so far, from overseeing the construction phase to now looking after and nurturing the gardens. I am really looking forward to seeing how the plants and spaces develop and welcoming visitors to this beautiful ever-changing space throughout the seasons.”

Lady Barnard led the Walled Gardens project, which was part of a major two-year restoration development at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to create a new lifestyle destination in the north east, and believes the gardens can be a cultural and calming retreat for visitors.

Lady Barnard said: “The gardens have been inspired by Raby’s heritage however now incorporate contemporary planting, Amelanchier woodlands and a series of unique mazes, as well as a tiered grass amphitheater where people can relax as they look out to the castle and enjoy musical and theatrical events.

“It was a joy to work with Luciano on this project – his talent shines through and I think green fingered visitors, and those not so adept in the garden, will appreciate his planting schemes which are just inspired!”

Award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei is one of Britain’s most successful garden designers and the newly redesigned Walled Gardens at Raby Castle are his first public project.

Visitors in 2025 can also time their visit with a trip to the medieval castle itself between March and October and the Estate’s ancient Deer Park, home to two species of deer as well as picturesque parklands and surrounding lakes.

Lady Barnard added: “I believe we have maintained the soul of the Walled Gardens and I for one can’t wait to welcome guests come throughout the different seasons, as they witness the ever-changing nature of this wondrous place.”

The five-acre Walled Gardens at Raby Castle are a beautiful destination for 2025 and puts the County Durham destination firmly on the map for English gardens of note.