Harriett Baldwin MP Unveils New Water Garden at The Walled Gardens at Croome Court
Celebrating 25 Years of Private Restoration
Croome Court, Worcestershire — May 2025
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court have celebrated a remarkable milestone in their long-running restoration with the unveiling of a newly designed water garden, officially opened by Harriett Baldwin MP, Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire.
The unveiling marks 25 years since owners Chris and Karen Cronin began their ambitious private restoration of one of Britain’s largest Georgian walled gardens. Once lost to time and overrun with brambles, the gardens have been gradually and lovingly brought back to life since the couple took over the project in 2000.
Designed by Chris Cronin, the new water garden is a peaceful and elegant addition to the landscape. Featuring wildlife-friendly planting, natural stonework, and a reflective pond, the space has already become a favourite among visitors and wildlife alike, including ducks, moorhens, and even great crested newts.
Harriett Baldwin MP commented:
“I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon on the stunning new water feature, which is a sparkling addition to an historic garden.
Croome Court is one of our finest local visitor attractions, and I strongly urge people to visit and see the amazing work Chris and Karen and their wonderful volunteers have carried out at their own expense over the last 25 years.
It is a fitting tribute to Capability Brown that we have yet more of this horticultural gem open for the public to see, learn, and enjoy.”
The water garden joins a growing list of completed projects within the grounds, including the recently restored Pineapple House and the newly created Mosaic Garden — both examples of how the restoration blends historical integrity with modern creativity.
Chris and Karen Cronin reflected on the milestone:
“This year marks 25 years since we first began the restoration of the Walled Gardens, and unveiling the new water garden with Harriett Baldwin MP feels like a fitting tribute to how far we’ve come.
It has been a true labour of love, and we’re incredibly proud to have brought these once-forgotten gardens back to life for future generations to enjoy.”
The Walled Gardens, originally part of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s visionary landscape design for Croome Court, now stand as a privately restored and independently funded triumph of heritage preservation. The project has also benefited from the dedicated support of National Trust volunteers, whose ongoing efforts have been vital to its success.