Walled garden blooms thanks to £2,500 donation

Visitors to a country park estate will be met with a flower display from 9,000 bulbs this spring and summer thanks to a £2,500 donation.

Donated by The Friends of Lydiard Park, the money was used to design a display within the Swindon site's 18th Century Walled Garden.

Using thousands of spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, narcissi and hyacinths, the work was carried out by the site's gardening team and volunteers.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for planning, said: "The Walled Garden is one of Lydiard's treasure troves and to see it resplendent in vibrant colours was simply breathtaking.

Ms Strinkovsky thanked the council's gardening team for "enhancing what was already one of the best flower and fruit-growing gardens" but said none of it would have been possible without the support of the Friends of Lydiard Park.

Julie Holland, secretary of The Friends of Lydiard Park, said: "The tulips are a stunning tribute - unique and rich with historical meaning - that beautifully honour the legacy of the Walled Garden and its special place in Lydiard Park's heritage. You've brought history to life with colour and care," she added.

Built in 1740 by the St John family, the Walled Garden sits behind the Coach House cafe and features a rhombus-shaped garden used to grow flowers and fruit.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.