The double avenues of pleached lime trees are a remarkable feature here at Erddig. The trees form a ‘living wall’ and mark the position of the original walled border of the Grade I listed garden, which was later demolished.

They burst into bud around April time, a sure sign that warmer days are here.

The extensive pleached lime tree avenues are pruned by hand. This ancient art, which dates from Roman times, involves connecting branches together to create a shaded walkway to promenade.

It would take one skilled gardener around 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months) to complete the task single-handedly, making around 65,000 cuts – thankfully we have a small team on hand to take on the mammoth challenge!

When we were there on the 18th March this year, the gardeners were out in force doing the pruning, along with parties of school children. The weather was glorious.

www.ipernity.com/doc/1081863/53277954 This a shot (taken by Herb Riddle) of the same area taken in March this year.