Gardens of Easton Lodge Revisited

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The Gardens of Easton Lodge will play host to the launch of a new book telling the story of their restoration on Sunday 19th September – the penultimate opening of the 2010 season which has been made possible thanks to the efforts of a team of volunteers drawn from the local community.

Lavishly illustrated with historic and new photos, "The Gardens of Easton Lodge: their recovery and renaissance" charts the history of the gardens. It covers their redevelopment by Edwardian designer Harold Peto for the Countess of Warwick, the tree planting undertaken by her son Maynard Greville and their context within the remains of the seventeenth century park and gardens. The restoration of the gardens over the last 39 years under the direction of Brian and Diana Creasey with whose cooperation the book was written, is also described.

The book’s author, Bella d’Arcy, is the former Chair of the Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust. She will be present at the open day to sign copies of the book from 3pm.

Visitors to the September opening will find the late summer gardens in good condition with the recently replanted sections of the Italian Garden still showing well, and the magnificent yew tree hedges recently neatened.

After the 19th September opening, the final Sunday for visits during 2010 will be on the 10th October. The October open day has been arranged at the special request of the National Gardens Scheme whose representatives recognised the particular attractions of the trees in their autumn mantle.

Entry to the Gardens of Easton Lodge costs just £2.50 (children free). Home-made refreshments are on sale during opening hours (12 noon to 6pm). Further information is available from the recorded information service on 01371 876979, online at www.eastonlodge.co.uk or by emailing enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk.

The Gardens of Easton Lodge are located just outside Great Dunmow in Little Easton, off the B184 (Great Dunmow to Saffron Walden road). Follow the brown heritage signs.

"The Gardens of Easton Lodge: their recovery and renaissance" costs £8 of which £2 will be donated to the Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust. Copies will be available at the 19th September opening.
ISBN 978-0-9563451-1-0

EssexTouristGuide.com

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