- Work Hard
- 15th Aug 2025
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Behind the blooms of the North East’s most talked-about garden projects at Raby Castle
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Stepping into the Walled Gardens at Raby Castle feels like an instant escape to a calm oasis – where creativity, history and horticulture beautifully collide.
This stunning five-acre space is quickly earning national and international recognition, having just taken second place in the 2025 European Garden Awards and been nominated for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. And with voting open until the end of August, it’s officially one to watch – make sure to show your support by voting here.
At the heart of it all is Assistant Head Gardener Becky Crowley – the artist-turned-horticulturist helping to shape one of the North East’s most exciting garden transformations. With a background in floristry, art and design, Becky brings a warm, hands-on and deeply thoughtful approach to garden-making.
She spoke to us about her journey, working with celebrated designer Luciano Giubbilei and what it’s like to bring the Walled Gardens to life – one bloom at a time.
CAN YOU SHARE HOW YOUR PATH LED YOU INTO HORTICULTURE AND ULTIMATELY TO RABY CASTLE?
“It’s been a creative journey, for sure. I studied art at university, then worked as a florist before training as a garden designer. Both roles let me explore my love for plants and creativity, but I found myself wanting to spend more time outdoors – in real gardens.
That led me to the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme at Chatsworth House. I stayed for seven years, five of those in the cut flower garden. It was a really formative time for me.
I first came to Raby Castle during the early stages of the Walled Garden redevelopment. Luciano Giubbilei was leading the project alongside Lady Barnard, and as someone who specialises in cut flowers, I was invited to help shape the cutting garden, which sits in the far west corner of the five-acre space. I officially joined the team earlier this year, working alongside Gardens Manager Dickon Harding to bring the full vision to life. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it.”
YOU WORKED WITH LUCIANO GIUBBILEI ON THIS PROJECT. WHAT WAS THAT COLLABORATION LIKE?
“It was an amazing experience. Luciano is one of the most respected garden designers out there, so to be involved in his first public garden project was such an honour.
He has a very measured, elegant style, so creating a cutting garden that balanced his aesthetic with function was an exciting challenge – we had to be both restrained and productive.”
HOW DOES THE CUTTING GARDEN REFLECT HIS PRINCIPLES, AND HOW DO YOU BRING THAT TO LIFE EVERY DAY?
“The goal was to create a space that feels refined and calm, but still abundant throughout the season. We selected plants that are both beautiful in the borders and useful for cutting – we harvest flowers daily for the café and events, while still maintaining that sense of natural elegance.
Every morning we cut fresh flowers for the Vinery Café – it’s a lovely ritual. Visitors get to enjoy the scent and colour inside, and hopefully feel inspired to explore the garden beyond.”
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO MAINTAINING THE WALLED GARDENS OVERALL?
“It’s all about gentle guidance. There’s a quiet, understated beauty across the garden, and we work to support that. We prune where needed to keep the balance and do a lot of subtle editing – some plants are more vigorous than others and need a little reigning in.
We’re also focusing on climbers at the moment – they’re growing rapidly and will eventually transform the garden walls. Watching it all evolve is really special.”
ANY EARLY CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED?
“The dry spring was a big one. The perennials coped surprisingly well, but the young trees, shrubs and climbers needed a lot of extra attention. We feel a strong sense of responsibility to help them settle in, so they can thrive for years to come.”
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE SEASON IN THE GARDEN?
“It’s hard to choose – every season has something magical. June was stunning with Nepeta ‘Amelia’, Salvia ‘Amethyst’, Cirsium rivulare and Stipa gigantea all shining. Calycanthus was a real standout too.
But I’m really looking forward to late summer and autumn when the cutting garden fills out with dahlias, and the grasses catch the lower light – it brings a whole different atmosphere. And then there’s spring with all the blossom – honestly, I love them all.”
HOW DO YOU SEE THE GARDENS DEVELOPING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
“As the plants settle in and mature, we’ll see the schemes become more established and coherent. We’re constantly reviewing and adapting – adding more Gaura, Erigeron, Hollyhocks and Althea where needed. It’s very much a living space, and we’re learning from it every day.”
WHAT’S A SIMPLE TIP FOR OUR READERS WANTING THEIR OWN GREEN OASIS AT HOME?
“Start with strong, low-maintenance plants like euphorbia, phlomis, nepeta or hardy salvias. They’re easy to grow and look great throughout the season.
Then add a touch of charm with a couple of seed-sown annuals – I love Orlaya and Papaver ‘Lauren’s Grape’. Orlaya seeds do best when fresh, and poppies can go straight into the soil. They add that extra bit of sparkle.”
DON’T MISS THIS: BECKY’S GARDEN WORKSHOP
Saturday 13th September from 10am – 1:30pm
If you’re feeling inspired, you can join me for a half-day workshop on 13th September at Raby Castle, where I’ll be sharing practical tips and ideas for growing your own beautiful cutting garden. Space is limited, so book early.
Visit Raby Castle’s events page to secure a spot.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop, County Durham DL2 3AH
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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