A Lost House and its Rediscovered Garden
at Summerland, Caswell
by Paul & Linda Griffiths
Paul and Linda Griffiths have worked to restore the rediscovered garden, known as The Dingle, to its former splendour.
Starting from the present time we take a journey back in time-
AUTUMN/ WINTER 2007-8
Planting and rebuilding walls was continued. Contractors were engaged to prepare the old lawn area for grass seeding and then seed. The stone steps to the lawn were restored, stone bays for benches were built and hundreds of spring bulbs and other plants were introduced.
SPRING/SUMMER 2007
The planting of perennials, shrubs and trees began as did the rebuilding of the boundary walls. A stump-grinding company was engaged to remove the yew stumps, so that the banks that encompassed the lawn could be retained.
AUTUMN / WINTER 2006-7
Following a consultation with Martin Appleby from the Council, Paul with help from Chris, a neighbour, friends and family, began the process of removing self-seeded trees from the lawn, along with the yew trees, laurel, brambles and ivy. Some of the wood was recycled by local wood turners for furniture and bowls. The ruins of the gardener's house, plus several paths and walls were uncovered.
The banks from the road down to the garden were cleared of all fly-tipping, which must have filled over a hundred black bags of other people's rubbish. They continue to pick up small pieces of glass which still come to the surface in the garden. We found evidence of electric cables and water pipes leading to what people thought was only a Summer House.
GARDEN RESTORATION 2006
In 2006 Paul & Linda Griffiths purchased Mrs Shellard's bungalow, the road and The Dingle. After years of neglect, the garden was rediscovered and a vision was born to restore it to something like its former glory. To this end, they have been renovating the garden using old photographs as a template.
The Dingle, an aerial view