‘That’s Lancashire’ presenter, Roland Gent interviewed The Walled Garden’s staff and volunteers about the melons, and how they’re grown in the North West of England and the history behind growing melons at Worden Hall and the Walled Garden’s Melon Garden.
Dave, Horticulturist at The Walled Garden told the TV channel that in approximately 1777, when ‘The Walled Garden’ was a working kitchen garden for the Ffarington family at Worden Hall, they grew melons and other exotic fruits such as pineapples, which were a status symbol at the time. Kay went on to explain that pineapples on a table in the 17th Century would have been worth about £2000 in today’s money!
Since The Walled Garden reopened three years ago, they have been growing melons using the traditional techniques in the garden’s melon house, using the original pots. Dave described the melon growing process as being similar to that of cucumbers and that the conditions at The Walled Garden are ideal for growing, and however, the seasons aren’t long enough.
Many people are surprised to hear that there are melons growing in Lancashire, but they bring a lot of interest. These melons don’t grow as big as watermelons; they are a similar size to a grapefruit.
There are a variety of different fruit grown in the garden, for example Barley apple trees. Not only do the people supported there have the opportunity to learn skills and work in the community, they have the opportunity to talk to customers and feel good about what they are doing. This can be through visitors to the garden, community events and when the produce is sold to visitors.
The Walled Garden supports people with learning difficulties develop horticultural skills such as growing vegetables, flowers and plants but also maintaining these. They also learn to develop life skills and build positive relationships with the community. The Walled Garden is open to the general public.
This facility is also used by other community groups such as schools for learning and experience days, colleges and also volunteers. Events are held throughout the year which is open to the general public. Some of these include ‘pumpkin carving’, ‘meet the reptiles’ and ‘wreath making’ tying in to other park activities organised by the Arts and Craft Centre and park rangers.
So make sure you come down and visit The Walled Garden!
