A NEW water feature in Croome Court’s historic gardens was recently unveiled by the region’s MP Dame Harriett Baldwin.
The West Worcestershire MP unveiled the New Water Garden at The Walled Gardens of Croome Court to mark 25 years since the beginning of the new owner’s restoration of the historic grounds.
Owners, Chris and Karen Cronin, took on the mammoth task of reviving the long-lost Georgian gardens, having now spent 25 years on the restoration project.
Over the last quarter-century, the couple has worked tirelessly, driven by a deep personal commitment and funded entirely through private means, to rescue and restore one of Britain’s most important 18th-century walled gardens, originally part of ‘Capability’ Brown’s visionary landscape design for Croome Court.
The unveiling of the new water garden, a tranquil and elegant space envisioned and brought to life by Chris Cronin himself, signifies the near completion of all major restoration work within the gardens.
Recent achievements include the restoration of the historic Pineapple House and the creation of a striking new Mosaic Garden.
Dame Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented: “I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon on the stunning new water feature which is a sparkling addition to an historic garden.
“Croome Court is one of our finest local visitor attractions and I strongly urge people to have a look at the amazing work Chris and Karen and wonderful volunteers have carried out at their own expense to bring this treasure back to life.
“It is a fitting tribute to Capability Brown that we have yet more of this historic horticultural gem open for the public to see, learn and enjoy.”
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court, once overgrown and forgotten, now stand as a testament to vision, perseverance, and the invaluable support of National Trust volunteers who have played a key role in the ongoing restoration efforts.
Chris and Karen Cronin said: “Unveiling the new water garden feature with Harriett Baldwin MP is a fitting celebration of how far we’ve come.
“It has been a true labour of love, and we’re incredibly proud to have brought these once-lost gardens back to life for future generations to enjoy.”
Nestled within the Croome Court estate, the gardens are open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from April to September, including Bank Holidays, between 11 am and 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm).
Admission is £7 per adult, with free entry for children under 14 (regular National Trust admission applies). All proceeds go directly towards maintaining and continuing the restoration of this historic landscape.
