Fernery Wall

The Fernery Wall, built around 1864, is a Grade II listed structure located in the north-eastern part of the fernery. It serves as a retaining wall approximately 5 meters long, constructed from roughly squared and coursed stone rubble, with the mortar set back from the face, and features terracotta fern bricks.

The wall has a rustic character, topped with flat stone coping. It includes a central round-arched alcove, with the arch ring made of stones that have roughly chamfered edges, creating a rustic chevron pattern. Embedded within the stonework are fifteen Watsonian Patent Fern Bricks, with five located in the alcove and five on either side. These bricks are roughly square and feature a circular recess designed for a detachable bowl or pot, complete with a drainage hole. Although none of the original bowls or pots remain, historical catalogues indicate they were shell-shaped and projected slightly from the wall's surface.

The upper part of the alcove is adorned with an inverted dentilation and a dogtooth pattern, while the spandrels showcase an incised floral design. These spandrels also contain small roundels with raised lettering, displaying 'AD' and '1860', along with corresponding roundels in the bottom corners marked 'WP' and 'FB', which stand for Watsonian Patent Fern Brick.

Additionally, the wall has been extended by approximately 3 meters at the north-western end, using a mix of rubble and roughly dressed stone.