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Chatsworth historic gardens revealed by heatwave

Chatsworth Estate Lawn at ChatsworthChatsworth Estate
Grass over paths, which has shallower roots, scorches faster than the grass over the old beds

Traces of elaborate historic gardens have been revealed at Chatsworth due to the heatwave.

The European style formal garden, known as a Great Parterre, was designed in 1699 for the 1st Duke of Devonshire.

It was grassed over just 30 years later but substantial remains lie buried under just a thin layer of soil and grass.

Now the extreme heat has parched the grass which lies over the paths, while that over the old beds is still green.

Oliver Jessop Chatsworth House gardens in c.1699Oliver Jessop
Steve Porter said the formal gardens fell victim to a change in fashion

Head of gardens Steve Porter said: "It was the height of fashion at the time but fashions change and when the English landscape movement became popular, it was no longer wanted.

"The gardeners took away what they needed to and grassed it over but there are still the beds and paths down there, maybe some statue bases too."

Chatsworth Estate Lawn at ChatsworthChatsworth Estate
Substantial remains lie buried under just a thin layer of soil and grass

The heatwave has also had an impact on the wider garden.

Mr Porter said: "Some of the new planting we have done is looking very droopy and sorry for itself and the beech trees have lost a lot of their canopy.

"But the rockery, with its herbs and Mediterranean plants is absolutely loving it."

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