construction starts on ‘the pergola’ at the national trust’s beningbrough near york

‘The Pergola’ is the second phase of Andy Sturgeon Design’s 10 year garden vision for Beningbrough, having previously included the planting of 300,000 spring bulbs along the Ha-ha walk, which were in full bloom in Spring 2017.

Construction of ‘The Pergola’ garden will take place during winter 2017 / 2018 and will be open to visitors in spring 2018.

‘The Pergola’ sits on an area of the garden previously used as a service area with greenhouses and former Malmaison house, used for growing carnations. In the 1970s the area was re-landscaped with a lawn and trellis panels. As part of the 10 year Garden Vision this area was identified as having lost a sense of purpose and being under used as it felt more like a waiting room than a garden to explore.

The new design will create an area to be used as a tranquil space offering dappled shade and sunny pockets along the south facing wall. Small seating areas and a calm planting palette will encourage quiet contemplation and also act as a meeting point for visitors before entering the restaurant.