‘SAINT George’ visited a walled garden for an asparagus festival as he swapped his charger for a convoy of classic cars.
Visitors arrived at the walled garden in Croome for the British Asparagus Festival, organised in partnership with the Fleece Inn in Bretforton to mark St George’s Day.
This year’s celebrations also recognised Worcestershire’s continued success in the Visit Worcestershire Awards, with a convoy of classic cars transporting the first cut of asparagus to Croome. The tradition brings together local producers, hospitality and heritage venues, highlighting the county’s strong food and tourism offer.
A group of festival guests travelled to Croome following the launch of the annual celebration of Worcestershire’s asparagus season.
During their visit, they enjoyed a talk on the site’s RAF history before exploring the privately owned Walled Gardens, where they were able to experience the setting and take part in a series of commemorative moments marking the occasion.
The visit held particular significance for the gardens, where asparagus is also grown as part of the wider horticultural offering. When available, freshly harvested asparagus is sold directly to visitors during weekend openings, providing a seasonal connection between the gardens and the county’s wider food and farming heritage.
Chris and Karen Cronin, who have owned and restored The Walled Gardens since 2000, were pleased to support the event and welcome guests on such a fitting date.
Chris Cronin said: “We were delighted to welcome guests to the Walled Gardens as part of the British Asparagus Festival, particularly on St George’s Day. Asparagus is an important part of Worcestershire’s identity, and it’s something we are proud to grow here in the gardens.
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“Events like this are a wonderful way to celebrate local produce and bring people together to experience both the heritage of Croome and the seasonal rhythms of the garden.”
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court are privately owned and located within the grounds of the National Trust’s Croome estate. The gardens are open to visitors from April through to the end of September, every weekend and on Bank Holidays.
Entry to the gardens is £7 per adult, with children admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Visitors should note that usual National Trust admission applies to access the Croome estate.
All proceeds from admissions support the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the gardens and historic glasshouses, a project that has been carefully undertaken by the Cronins over the past 25 years
