A Hidden Delight

I can't claim that finding Kilver Court Garden in Shepton Mallet was a complete surprise because I did know it was there but it certainly lives up to it's reputation as the secret garden of Somerset.

It has connections with two well known brand names and a history that goes back to the Industrial Revolution. It is a location that I have passed many many times on the main road through Shepton Mallet It is squeezed between this road and the old Somerset and Dorset railway.

The garden was originally known as Jardine's Park having been created by the mill owner Ernest Jardine's who was a Victorian social reformer who set up a model factory and created the garden for his employees.

The gardens were used for recreation, fruit and vegetables for employees was grown and there were allotments for workers to grow their own food. Perhaps the most surprising fact is that the mill ponds were used as a boating lake.

The backdrop to these gardens being the 317 long Charlton viaduct, part of the now disused Somerset and Dorset line.

There was a long period of the site falling into disarray until it was bought in the 1950's by the Showering family who were the creators of  the famous perry Babycham. The garden was restored on the lines of a Gold medal winning design garden at  Chelsea Flower Show.

When work got underway the babycham lorries returned from their deliveries laden with rocks and turf! Boardrooms were built to look out on the gardens. There was even a flock of flamingos to look out on.

The second well known name to be associated with the gardens is Mulberry. Roger Saul owner of the Mulberry company took on the gardens, added the parterre and opened the designer outlet shops. The garden was then opened to the public.

The garden certainly has a fascinating history and in my opinion is well worth a visit.