A LONG-serving member of a unique West Country charity has launched a major refurbishment project in the grounds of The Garden House near Yelverton. Nancy Fortescue planted a rare Magnolia to mark the start of a refurbishment of the enchanting terraced walled garden created by her parents, Lionel and Katharine Fortescue, and designed around the romantic ruins of a medieval vicarage. Mr and Mrs Fortescue not only planted the walled garden but also set up the Fortescue Garden Trust, an independent registered charity to ensure the garden they created would survive for future generations. Head gardener Matt Bishop and his team are restoring the garden which was once called ?the most beautiful acre in England? by The Times. Matt said the project has been long overdue at The Garden House where much of the Fortescue design is now almost 60 years old. He said: ?This may take several years to complete but will stay true to the Fortescue?s vision. ?Historically significant plants raised at The Garden House will, of course, be retained because this is not a clean sweep ? it will be a careful and considered restoring aimed at preserving the magic of this garden.? The start of the project also marked Nancy Fortescue?s official retirement from the board, although she will still be taking a close interest the garden. The charity?s chairman Sir Robin Nicholson said: ?Nancy Fortescue has been the most dedicated and generous servant a small charity like ours could ever wish for. ?All of us at The Garden House are delighted she intends to stay very closely involved, keeping a close interest in this major project and enjoying our lovely gardens without the work that membership of the board has involved.? Fellow board members and staff made a presentation to Miss Fortescue as a gesture of their appreciation for her dedication to the gardens at the recent spring meeting of the trust. Refurbishment of the walled garden will continue over the next four years alongside maintenance and planting of the rest of the estate. Matt Bishop said: ?It is so hard to put a time limit or a cost on this project as, in many ways, refurbishment of a garden should never end. ?We hope to hold study days, focusing on the techniques of garden refurbishment and hopefully giving people ideas for their own gardens.? The Garden House is open every day from March 1 to October 31 from 10.30am to 5pm.