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Orpheus – the 21st Century Garden
Grand Etang Restoration Project
Through the Seasons
Boughton Estate
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The Orchard: A Piece of History
The orchard is nestled in the lower walled garden, this area was once used to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers for use in the House, for the Estate’s employees, and its guests.
Today, the orchard is home to mostly apple trees, with many dating back to around 1900. However, there’s also an older mulberry tree, whose exact age is unknown. But, intriguing records from the 1600s suggest mulberries have been grown here for centuries. In fact, a royal proclamation from 1607 urged gentlemen to grow mulberry trees, and records show that John, Duke of Montagu, purchased mulberry trees as early as 1749.
The orchard has also been home to a remarkable pear tree in the past. The 1st Duke’s head gardener, Leonard van der Meulen, cultivated an impressive Virgola pear tree trained along the wall, measuring a staggering 36 feet in length! Sadly, this giant tree no longer stands.
The Bees: A Modern Marvel
The walled garden also plays host to a buzzing community of honey bees. Here at Boughton, we maintain three active hives, producing between 250 and 350 jars of honey each season. The bees collect nectar from the orchard, wildflower meadows, the formal walled gardens and beyond – creating a unique and flavourful honey.
A special treat for visitors is the lime honey produced from nectar gathered from the Estate’s many veteran Lime Trees. Available seasonally, this honey has a distinctive taste and was even awarded a Silver Award in the 2023/4 Artisan Local Product of the Year.
You can find this locally produced honey in our Gift Shop, a sweet reminder of the Estate’s thriving natural world!
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