Great English Gardens
Tours of English Gardens, May 2025
Great Dixter
Discover the enchanting world of Great Dixter, a quintessential English garden that has captivated horticulturalists for decades. This video explores the historic manor, restored by architect Edwin Lutyens, and its magnificent gardens, originally laid out by Nathaniel Lloyd and later made famous by his son, the legendary gardener and author Christopher Lloyd. We’ll wander through a series of stunning garden rooms, from the intricate topiary and romantic sunken garden to the vibrant herbaceous borders and wildflower meadows. Learn about the innovative and dynamic planting style of Christopher Lloyd, now brilliantly continued by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett, where successional planting ensures a continuous and breathtaking display of color and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey, Great Dixter offers endless inspiration for creating your own beautiful and sustainable garden. Join us for a tour of what many consider to be England’s most exciting and beautiful garden, a true masterclass in cottage gardening on a grand scale.
Sissinghurst Castle
Explore the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a horticultural masterpiece created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. This video delves into their revolutionary “garden rooms” concept, showcasing iconic spaces like the pristine White Garden, the fragrant rose garden overflowing with old varieties, and the enchanting Nuttery. Discover how this power couple, with their contrasting styles, transformed a derelict farmstead into one of the most influential English gardens of the 20th century. Learn about the meticulous planning, the impressive plant collection, and the ongoing conservation efforts by the National Trust, including the stunning re-imagining of Delos by designer Dan Pearson. If you’re passionate about garden design, historic gardens, roses, or simply seeking inspiration for your own outdoor space, this deep dive into Sissinghurst’s history and beauty is a must-watch for any gardening enthusiast.
Fairlight End
Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Fairlight End, a stunning 21st-century garden nestled in the Sussex Weald. This video tour showcases the three-acre naturalistic garden, featuring expansive wildflower meadows, serene natural ponds, and a thriving kitchen garden with over 30 raised beds. Discover how the owners’ passion for sustainable gardening has created a sanctuary for local wildlife, from birds and bees to butterflies. Explore the unique, modern design, including striking Corten steel sculptures and supports that beautifully complement the traditional landscape and a historic cherry tree. If you’re a gardening enthusiast interested in landscape design, biodiversity, and creating a sustainable haven, this video is for you. Don’t miss this award-winning Sussex garden!
Long Barn - Vita Sackville-West's First Garden
Step back in time to explore Long Barn, the first great garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson — long before their world-famous masterpiece at Sissinghurst Castle. Long Barn’s story stretches back to the 1400s, with its magical evolution shaped by remarkable owners, bold ideas, and deeply personal history.
Kew Gardens
Explore the breathtaking beauty and horticultural marvels of Kew Gardens, the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens in London! This video takes gardening enthusiasts on an exclusive tour of Kew’s 300 acres, showcasing its diverse plant collections, historic glasshouses like the iconic Palm House and Temperate House, and the critical conservation work being done. Discover thousands of unique plant species, learn about the Millennium Seed Bank’s vital role in preventing plant extinction, and delve into the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a must-visit for anyone passionate about plants, botanical research, and stunning English gardens.
Hever Castle
Embark on a stunning virtual garden tour of Hever Castle, a true masterpiece of English garden design and one of the great gardens in the beautiful Weald of Kent. In this video, we explore the spectacular 125-acre grounds surrounding the historic childhood home of Anne Boleyn, masterfully created by William Waldorf Astor. Discover the magnificent Italian Garden, home to Roman and Renaissance statuary, the fragrant walled Rose Garden, a classic Tudor Herb Garden, and the vast 35-acre lake. Whether you are a passionate gardener seeking inspiration from the long borders and perennial drifts or a history lover enchanted by the romantic setting, this tour of Hever Castle’s glorious gardens offers a spectacular and unforgettable horticultural journey.
Great Comp
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Great Comp Garden, a stunning English garden nestled in the heart of Kent. Join us on a virtual tour of this magnificent seven-acre oasis, lovingly created from a Georgian farmhouse and surrounding woodland by Rodri and Joy Cameron. Discover a gardener’s paradise featuring over 3,000 plant varieties, from magnificent magnolias and rhododendrons to vibrant herbaceous borders and a serene sunken lily pond. In this video, we get an exclusive look with curator William Dyson, a Salvia expert and Chelsea Flower Show exhibitor, as we uncover the secrets of this masterfully designed landscape. Whether you’re an avid gardener looking for inspiration or simply a lover of beautiful gardens, this tour of Great Comp is a must-see.
Hampton Court Palace
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Hampton Court Palace gardens, a must-see for any gardening enthusiast! Explore this magnificent historic palace and its stunning formal gardens, shaped by legendary gardeners like Capability Brown and Henry Wise. Wander through the iconic Great Fountain Garden, the restored King’s Privy Garden, beautiful walled rose gardens, and marvel at the world’s oldest grapevine. From vibrant Victorian-style flower beds and long herbaceous borders to the serene Pond Gardens and impressive chestnut tree avenue, this video tour unveils the horticultural treasures and centuries of gardening innovation at one of Britain’s greatest landmarks.
Balmoral Cottage
Explore the enchanting Balmoral Cottage, a private English garden nestled in the Kent countryside, on a privileged tour with owner Charlotte Molesworth. Discover how a derelict plot, once part of Victorian plant hunter Collingwood “Cherry” Ingram’s estate, was transformed into a romantic, wildlife-friendly haven. This organically managed wonderland boasts stunning mixed borders, a thriving vegetable garden, a serene wildflower meadow and pond, all framed by magnificent yew and box topiary. If you’re passionate about cottage gardens, sustainable practices, and the charm of English horticulture, this delightful tour offers inspiration and a glimpse into a truly magical space.
RHS Wisley
In this video, I explore what makes Wisley so powerful as a garden. From its structure and layout to its planting combinations and seasonal interest, there’s a quiet intelligence behind every space—and it offers lessons that any gardener can take home.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s about understanding how great gardens work.
Whether you’re designing your own garden, refining an existing space, or simply looking for inspiration, Wisley has something to teach.
If you enjoy thoughtful, design-led gardening, consider subscribing for more in the Great English Gardens series.