Kenilworth Castle Search for the 'True' Carnation
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is hunting for 16th-century varieties of carnations, to plant in their recreated Elizabethan Garden opening to the public in May 2009.
Free familiarisation visits can be arranged for organisers wanting to see the garden themselves before deciding if it is the right place for their beloved carnation - or their group outings.
The garden is still under construction and since it is going to be an exact recreation of the 1575 garden (when it amazed Queen Elizabeth I) the flowers need to be varieties which were around at this time. However following introductions of new varieties in the 19th and 20th centuries, many of the 16th-century ones were lost. Therefore English Heritage has started a search for carnation varieties which could have been grown by gardeners in the 16th century.
The true form is easily spotted as they have some striking characteristics. They have a spicy, exotic scent which according to English Heritage’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, John Watkins can be “strong enough to make the
eyes water”. He also explained that, “perfume was an essential part of the garden experience and the clove-scented carnation was an important high status plant, crucial in the heady summer cocktail of strawberries, roses, peonies and pinks.”
The combined efforts of specialist nurseries such as Allwoods Nursery in Sussex and Southview Nurseries in Hampshire, Kenilworth have already sourced two varieties of the ‘true’ carnation. There has also been some surprise findings, one at Sherborne Castle on the castle wall. Additionally some seeds have been sourced from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
If gardeners believe they may have examples of true species, with a flowering period of 5-6 weeks in June and July then English Heritage want to hear.
Contact English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181 or email customers@english-heritage.org.uk ideally with a picture or as detailed description as possible.
Do not forget that the garden is officially open to the public from Saturday 2nd May 2009. However there are currently guided tours every Friday at 2pm and 3pm. Please book the garden tours in advance when booking your visit to Kenilworth Castle.
For more information on Kenilworth Castle please call 01926 852078 or visit Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle
To organise a free familiarisation visit before taking your group there contact: traveltrade@english-heritage.org.uk
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