HERE is a glimpse at the inner workings of an archaic horticultural system at Helmsley Walled Garden.

Restoration work at the site has uncovered the 19th century hot wall, which was plastered over when the Victorian glasshouses were modernised in 1910.

The 150-year-old structures were originally heated with coal and wood fires. The heat was transferred along horizontal flues in the rear wall.

"The problem with this system was the fumes had the tendency to kill the plants or turn the glass black," explained Paul Radcliffe, head gardener.

They were replaced with a modern convection hot water system in 1910.

The glasshouses and outbuildings were in such poor state that they had to be demolished. All the metalwork will be blasted to clean up and put back as the buildings are lovingly restored.

Paul said: "The recently-exposed walls have proved of great interest. Already we have had a student from York University who is doing her thesis on hot walls. This was a special opportunity for her to see an exposed wall.

"The £850,000 building scheme is to restore the glasshouses and outbuildings, which form part of our landscape in Helmsley, and secure the future sustainability of the garden as a social enterprise."

The garden is open from 10.30am to 5pm daily until October 31.

Updated: 14:35 Wednesday, June 09, 2004