To mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of Cassandra Austen, Jane’s beloved older sister, the Jane Austen House Museum is planting a commemorative orchard in the museum’s courtyard.
Homebuilder Cala Homes is supporting them in its efforts to reimagine the lost orchards that once stood in the grounds of the house and mark the remarkable milestone
The museum is raising funds to celebrate Cassandra’s life and role in the creation of her sister’s novels to open a small orchard.
The museum, which is internationally renowned and based in Chawton, near Alton, will open the orchard on Cassandra’s 250th birthday on Monday January 9.
Lizzie Dunford, director of Jane Austen’s House, said: “Cassandra’s Orchard will be a living celebration of the woman behind the woman, and will liven and enrich a special place to allow our visitors to celebrate Cassandra’s life and contribution as well as providing homes and food for our resident population of birds, insects and bats.”
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Cassandra lived at Jane Austen’s House from 1809 until her death in 1845. Jane’s letters to her are filled with references to plants, flowers and fruits from the orchard, now sadly lost from the grounds of the house.
Lizzie said: “We will recreate this lost orchard, using dwarf varieties suitable for growing in containers. There will be a tree for every novel, and donors’ names will be recorded on plaques for each tree. The orchard will provide blossom in the spring, delicious shade in the summer, and fruits in the autumn. We will underplant the trees with plants for pollinators, turning this empty space into a haven for people and wildlife alike.
“Thanks to the donation from Cala Homes we already have two trees organised and are asking Jane Austen readers across Alton and further afield to play their part in the orchard and donate to the cause.”
Alison Deakin, sales and marketing director at Cala Homes, said: “It’s true when they say a home is where the heart is, especially when you think of all the memories you create. The Jane Austen House Museum in particular works hard to re-imagine what life was like for Jane and Cassandra Austen during their time in Chawton and Alton."
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