The trees of the ancient lost continent of Gondwanaland will be celebrated in the new walled garden at Marks Hall Estate near Coggeshall.

Gondwanaland is the name given to the super continent that joined Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, Africa, India and South America together 200 million years ago.

Trees showing a common ancestry dating back to the southern hemisphere region including 200 eucalyptus, kniphofia, cordyline and northofagus, have been planted at the estate as part of the £150,000 walled garden appeal.

The new 'land' will be launched in a members' guided walk at the estate on September 25.

Richard Tattersall, agent to the Thomas Phillips Price Trust which owns Marks Hall, said: "Our walled garden appeal has now raised just over £100,000 and this has enabled us to start work on the site.

"The summer months have been spent in constructing the low brick walls to enclose the new garden layout.

"The landscaping of Gondwanaland is now complete and around 200 eucalyptus trees have been planted. We are looking forward to showing members these exciting projects."

The centuries old walled garden will be divided into five different gardens as part of the project, each reflecting the geographical and historical contexts of gardening.

A Millennium Walk is also being planned for the estate for 2000. Sponsored by Birkett and Long, solicitors in Colchester and Halstead, the walk will involve the redesigning and replanting of the lake bank opposite the walled garden.

The walk is to be planted with autumn, winter and early spring in mind, with trees and shrubs reflecting their colours into the lake.

The guided walk leaves the visitor centre on the estate at 2pm.

Marks Hall will be hosting a two-day Fair of Essex Crafts, including storyteller and Morris Men on September 18 and 19. The fair will be open from 10.30am to 5pm.

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