The Restoration Project
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court represent one of the most significant privately led Georgian walled garden restorations in the United Kingdom. Since 2000, custodians Chris and Karen Cronin have undertaken the extensive restoration of a five-acre walled garden that had been derelict for many decades. Their work has revived historic buildings, uncovered long-lost features and brought horticultural life back to this remarkable eighteenth-century landscape.
This page shares the story of that journey and the continuing work that preserves and enhances the gardens today.
At a Glance
• Five acres of Georgian walled gardens
• More than twenty years of active restoration
• Six historic glasshouses restored or reconstructed
• Discovery of the original 1805 Tod Vinery
• On-site carpentry workshop recreating period joinery
• Heritage orchard, rose garden and Mediterranean garden
• Archaeological discoveries across the site
• Fully functioning irrigation system
• Privately restored and maintained
The Vision
When Chris and Karen arrived at Croome in 2000, the walled gardens had been unused for decades. Their vision was to bring the gardens back to life with authenticity and craftsmanship, restoring them as both a historically meaningful place and a living, productive landscape.
The gardens in the early 2000s before major restoration work began.
Early Challenges
The gardens were structurally compromised, overgrown and in many areas unsafe. Before restoration could begin, the site required stabilisation, clearance and careful archaeological investigation. This foundation work uncovered layers of historic design and infrastructure that informed the later phases of restoration.
Major Restorations
Fig House and Melon House
Restoration work began in 2002. The Melon House received a new timber frame in 2004, followed by new sash windows the next year. The Fig House underwent similar treatment. Both buildings were restored using traditional joinery techniques and continue to function as working glasshouses.
Tomato House
Restored between 2019 and 2020, this structure features bespoke windows and doors crafted on-site from Sapele hardwood. It now houses a collection of heritage tomato plants.
Cottage Porch
The porch to the former gardener’s cottage was also restored using Sapele hardwood to maintain material consistency with the glasshouse restorations.
Pineapple House
The Pineapple House is the most recently completed major restoration project, finished in spring 2025. This careful reconstruction returned the structure to working order using historically informed carpentry and glazing techniques. Pineapples have now been successfully reintroduced and are currently maturing inside the restored house, marking a significant achievement in reviving one of the garden’s most specialist historic growing environments.
Timeline of Restoration
2000 – Chris and Karen begin the restoration
2002 – Assessment of derelict glasshouses
2004 – Melon House frame rebuilt
2007 – Rose Garden established
2015 – First public opening
2019 – Tomato House restoration begins
2020 – Completion of Tomato House
2023 – Mosaic Garden installed
2025 – Water Garden unveiled and Pineapple House restoration completed
Traditional joinery and glazing used to restore the glasshouses to working order.
Architectural and Archaeological Discoveries
The Tod Vinery
Excavations in 2017 revealed underground arches indicating a significant historic structure. With the help of a visiting family and further research by Jill Tovey, former archivist for The Croome Estate Trust, the structure was identified as the original 1805 vinery designed by George Tod. This discovery reshaped understanding of the garden’s historic layout.
Underground Tunnels
The tunnels beneath the garden once served the heating and servicing systems for the glasshouses. Today they provide a unique insight into eighteenth-century engineering.
Secret Woodland
Formerly the estate midden, this area has produced numerous archaeological finds during professionally supervised digs, offering further insight into the wider Croome Estate.
The 1805 Tod Vinery uncovered during excavation work.
Craftsmanship and Skills
Authenticity has guided every decision. An on-site carpentry workshop allows frames, sash windows and structural components to be crafted using traditional methods. Modern climate-control systems in the heated glasshouses support efficient water and energy use while maintaining historical character.
Heritage and Planting
Rose Garden
Featuring more than fifty varieties of scented David Austin roses, centred around a restored eighteenth-century sundial attributed to Robert Adam.
Heritage Produce
The garden now grows more than one hundred heritage apple varieties, forty-plus types of tomatoes and a wide range of unusual vegetables. All produce is grown without pesticides and is available to visitors when in season.
Mediterranean Garden
Created around two ancient olive trees donated by friends, this area features a curved retaining wall, Mediterranean planting and seasonal floral displays.
Water Garden
This contemporary feature, unveiled during the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations, acknowledges both modern and historic water-management traditions.
Rose Garden planted with scented David Austin varieties.
Working With Experts and Community
Chris and Karen work closely with specialist craftspeople, horticultural experts, National Trust volunteers and historic estate teams from across the region. Schools, community groups and gardening societies frequently visit, contributing to planting, learning and conservation activities.
The Garden Today
Visitors can experience restored glasshouses, archaeological features, rose displays, Mediterranean plantings and peaceful open spaces. The gardens continue to evolve, offering a blend of historic authenticity and modern stewardship.
The Water Garden, one of the newest features added as part of the ongoing restoration.
Future Plans
Planned developments include a permanent pavilion for workshops and events, enhanced lighting to support seasonal evening openings and a cascade water feature scheduled for completion in 2026/7. Restoration, conservation and horticultural development will continue throughout the coming years. Discover the gardens during your visit