Bishop Burton College has announced ambitious plans to redesign and restore its 1.5 acre Victorian walled garden.

The garden, which dates from the 1890s was originally used as a fruit, vegetable and herb garden for High Hall, which once stood on the site of the College’s main building.

The garden fell into disrepair but was resurrected by the College in the 1960s to be an ornamental garden that could also be used as a teaching resource for its many horticulture students.

Head gardener Ian Lead explains the need to redesign and replant the garden.

He said: “Although the garden has been enjoyed by many, many staff and students over the years, the fact that areas of it have been designed and planted many times by different staff and students as part of their project work meant it was a bit of a ‘mish mash’.

“We had mature plants next to younger specimens meaning the garden had no coherency or flow.

“The plans we have come up with mean we can give this wonderful feature a new lease of life for the next generation to enjoy.”

The plans, which have taken more than five years to complete, include removal of mature plants that have outgrown their positions and the removal of some plants which have died off following the harsh winters.

Many of the mature plants will be used elsewhere on the campus, while new hardy specimens with disease resistancy will be brought into the garden.

Ian Lead continues: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to redesign the entire plot and bring the garden into the 21st Century, while being sympathetic to its historical integrity.

“We will be introducing mixed borders with trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental plants, as well as a herb garden and new varieties of plants that are more resistant to pests and disease.

“We will also be looking at introducing hardy plants that can tolerate cold temperatures such as agapanthus.

“It’s a very exciting time and we’re looking forward to getting on with the work and creating a fantastic garden.”

The work is due to begin imminently and will take between two and three years.