The newly-appointed Head Gardener of Blenheim Palace has announced ambitious renovation plans, marking the biggest proposed change to the world-famous gardens in over 100 years.
Andy Mills was appointed in 2022 and has since been researching the rich history of the gardens, helping to formulate his bold 10-year vision to restore and transform the Formal Gardens.
"Our aim is to strengthen Blenheim Palace’s place on the World Garden map," says Andy. "We are blessed with 90 acres of inspirational gardens; these plans will make them even more stunning than ever and truly blow people away."
Andy's vision will see the reintroduction of many lost features and elements which have disappeared across the last three centuries.
One of the key changes planned is to bring back the sharp 1920s-inspired lines of The Italian Garden and Water Terrace, returning their original grandeur and majesty by drastically reducing the hedging.
The Cascade – a manmade waterfall – will be restored to its original splendour, with new planting, seating and bridges, as well as the installation of an octagonal summerhouse.
New herbaceous beds will also be planted, flanking the path through Churchill’s walk by the Temple of Diana. This will renew the scenic path, running from the Rose Garden down to the Temple of Flora, which was originally introduced in the late 1700s.
"There are a number of very well-written historical reference books about Blenheim with some amazing anecdotes about the different Dukes and their preferred garden styles; a large part of my role is to identify who did what, why, when and who removed it and if it is feasible, sensible and worthwhile restoring it," adds Andy.
Despite these advancements, there have been some challenges during the restoration process. "One of the largest challenges that any gardener faces now is climate change. In addition, new threats to plant health crop up all the time. However, gardeners have always had to respond to such challenges which is why we have such fabulous gardens and gardeners on the planet.”
An exciting renovation that has already taken place is the excavation of the 'lost' ponds in the Walled Garden and the Rose Garden.
14 solar water features for your garden
This romantic design for a solar powered water feature in easy to install and completely self-contained. Powered by solar, there is no plumbing required. The descriptions read: "Two solar panels recharge in direct sunlight to operate the low-voltage pump, which circulates water up from the bowl reservoir, down the pavilion roof and back into the bowl." This water feature will work best during spring and summer.
This three-tier, solar powered fountain brings a rustic, oriental look to the garden. It's powered by a remote solar panel and is small and compact, making it perfect for placing in borders or on patios or balconies. This solar fountain constantly recycles the water in it.
The description for this four-tiered solar powered water fountain reads: "Enhance the garden with a brush of charm and get the artistic Aibek Ceramic Cascade. A tiered design with a cascading function, it is crafted to constantly recycle the same water. The fountain is powered by a separate Aibek panel and low voltage water pump with a filter. It includes a submersible and recirculating pump."
Fancy designing your own solar water feature? This is the pump you'll need. Then you can design and add elements around it – just remember to keep the solar panels clear so they can trap the sunlight.
This solar water feature is powered by a separate solar panel on a 3m cable. Sunlight runs a low voltage water pump and the water is filtered. It comes with different fountain heads to create different effects.
This 90cm x 41cm solar water feature is uniquely designed with four lotus leaves, a coy fish and a rotating water wheel, giving it a distinctive look. The water fountain is powered from a 2.5 metre cable and will attract lots of new wildlife to your garden.
This solar water feature is also a bird bath! Sit back and relax in your garden while watching birds splash around on a warm day. This water pump comes with four nozzles which allows you to choose fountain patterns. We love the blue mosaic tiles.
A more ornamental, sculptural design, this bronze effect fountain is powered by two wire-free, integrated solar panels. The fountain depicts two children pumping water out of a well and into a bucket.
This ceramic terracotta solar water feature comes complete with 2.5W solar panel and 200LPH pump. LED lights are included making it perfect for night-time use.
Gardenwize Solar Marble Water Feature
This is a sleek design for a water fountain which will add curves and style to your garden. It runs entirely on solar energy and has a solar on-demand back-up battery power source.
This cascading slate-effect water feature runs entirely on solar energy and has a solar on-demand back-up battery power source so you can still run it on overcast days. It also has an LED light that comes on at night.
This water feature has the option to operate in two ways: via electrics (during winter or on overcast days) or using a solar panel. The design mimics cobblestones for a rustic look.
Gardenwize Solar Cascading Water Feature with Rock Planter
The natural look of this solar water feature means it can blend in seamlessly into a border. It also has two small planter spaces to add foliage and colour to the fountain. It runs entirely on solar energy, with a solar on-demand back-up battery power source.
This popular table top water fountain is handmade from bamboo and coconut shell. It's right at the top of our wish list...
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