Bohemia Walled Garden map

Open doors at the Walled Garden on Sunday 15 September

The Bohemia Walled Garden, located in the middle of Summerfield Woods, a local nature reserve (LNR Site), was built in the mid-19th century as part of the Brisco Estate. The garden, along with a Roman Bath and the Ice House were also part of this grand holding. Over time, however, the garden became neglected and the house itself is now long gone. Christine Mbaye from the Bohemia Walled Garden Association writes about the next stage in the life of this remarkable space.

In 2008, some visionary locals took an interest in the forlorn historical garden and thus the Bohemia Walled Garden Association (BWGA) was formed. The BWGA aims to restore the garden and surrounding wall, as well as creating a centre for horticultural use and arts for local people. Now a community garden where education is at the heart of the project, it provides the perfect setting for botanical and cultural events.

Committee member Susan Thompson said, “The walled garden is a reminder of how food was grown in Victorian times.  It is a piece of horticultural history that deserves to be restored, not only to show how things were done in the past, but also to provide an ideal place for growing plants today.  Until the wall is repaired, we cannot with safety use all the available space in the garden.  We have more plans to use this “oasis”, this place of calm, for educational and cultural events.  But until the wall is repaired, we are unable to make full use of this wonderful woodland enclosure.”

Plots are available to rent and funds raised go towards maintenance of the garden. By joining the BGWA, you will not only have the chance to grow your own seasonal produce, but you will help preserve local history by supporting the major wall-restoration work. As a member, you will receive invitations to exclusive events in the garden, as well as updates and newsletters.

Head over to the Heritage Open Day event at the BWG for a taste of all this and to pick up more info on membership. To join this diverse and lively community of enthusiastic gardeners, growers, musicians, makers, artists, philosophers, families and foodies, contact bohemiawga@yahoo.co.uk

Bohemia Walled Garden Association 

Heritage Open Day & Restore the Wall Launch

Sunday 15 September, 10am–3pm

Summerfields Wood, Bohemia Road, Hastings  TN34 1UT

• Moth talk and display: 11am
• Bees and Sussex Wildlife Trust ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ talk: 12 & 1pm
• Icehouse open: 10-1pm
• Tea and home-made cakes
• Raffle: main prize hamper of seasonal BWG produce
• Hand-made craft and home-grown produce stalls
• Art activity for all ages – potato printing with local artist, Beccy McCray

BWGA website
Email: info@bohemiawga.org.uk
Facebook page
Twitter: @bohemiawga

[The above contact details were updated on 31 May 2016 in accordance with new information from the BWGA.]

Also in: Green Times