THE walled garden of a vanished country house is coming back to life after half a century of neglect.

Magnificent Goodrich Court was demolished in 1950, leaving a walled garden that was turned over to growing trees and later rearing pheasants.

A team of nine gardeners once tended the soil; now one man has taken on the task of nurturing the wilderness back to full productivity.

Robert Milne promises that where docks, thistles and couch grass were kept in check by pigs, there will be lawns, herbaceous borders, topiary, a nut avenue and kitchen gardens.

He is something of an evangelist for organic kitchen gardening and by showing people what it is possible to achieve, he hopes to make converts.

He realises that few have the time or space to grow a year-round supply of produce. Some may only be able to garden at weekends, while others will be determined that only complete self-sufficiency will do.

By demonstrating gardening designed to suit different needs and tastes, he hopes to encourage everyone to grow their own.

"A number of good things result from growing one's own vegetables and fruit - better diet, therefore better health, a consequent saving on the NHS, reductions in transport, packaging, rubbish and imports.

"These are serious environmental, social and economic issues upon which gardening can have a significant impact."

Last year, an area the size of a typical allotment was cleared and fully cropped. Five 45-foot beds, which will be part of a large-scale cropping system, were used to grow potatoes, runner beans and leeks.

Apple trees

During the winter, 20 apple trees, each a different variety, were planted. Among future plans is a large circular kitchen garden, a miniature version of how a traditional walled garden was laid out - and a children's gardening club.

It is hoped the whole walled garden will be open later this year. There will be a guided tour this evening at 7pm. Contact Robert Milne on 01600 891136 for details.