Blenheim Palace reveals ambitious plans to revamp gardens

Andy Mills’ 10-year vision will see the reintroduction of many ‘lost’ features and elements which have disappeared over the last three centuries. 

Work has already begun at the palace in Woodstock which is home to more than 90 acres of gardens.

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The changes include excavating the ‘lost’ ponds at the Walled Garden and the Rose Garden, restoring the croquet shed and lawn and building a brand-new rockery.

Mr Mills said: “Our aim is to strengthen Blenheim Palace’s place on the World Garden map.

“We are blessed with 90 acres of inspirational gardens. These plans will make them even more stunning than ever and truly blow people away.

“Hopefully, our visitors are already starting to see the changes which we’ve started to introduce.” 

The gardener added that "one of the most discoveries" was found by the cascade in the grounds.

This find comprised of a fountain, a rockery with choice plantings, a spring with glass skylights, rock seats, a druid's table and seating. 

This area which Mr Mills intends to restore to "its original grandeur" also included "rustic bridges over the river to an island, which had a rustic octagonal summerhouse".

The Formal Gardens at the palace were created over centuries by esteemed designers such as Henry Wise and Archille Duchêne.

They reflect a journey through the horticultural styles of the ages.

Since his appointment in August last year, Mr Mills has been researching the garden's history to help formulate his ambitious plans. 

Mr Mills said: “I began by taking a walk around the gardens and noting down what needs to be done now, next week, next month, next year and so on – developing a plan.

"I then spent time working alongside each member of the garden team asking many questions and listening to their ideas. 

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“In addition, I spent many happy hours trawling the internet for images of the Garden from the past and looking at the depicted areas now.

“I have been asking a lot of questions of the garden team, plus I have been sending a lot of enquiries to the Blenheim archivist and our social historian.”

He added: “There are a number of very well-written historical reference books about Blenheim with some amazing anecdotes about the different Dukes and their preferred garden styles.

"A large part of my role is to identify who did what, why, when and who removed it and if it is feasible, sensible and worthwhile restoring it.”