Gardens
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'One of the truly great gardens of the world' is at risk of having its vistas and tranquility blighted forever
The views from Rousham, the birthplace of the English landscape-garden movement are at risk of development plans for the nearby former RAF Upper Heyford Air Force base get the go-ahead.
By Julie Harding Published
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How Harper Beckham created the perfect gardener's birthday present for her father's 50th — with a little help from David Austin Roses
When Harper Beckham wanted to commission a rose for her father’s birthday, there was only one man for the job, says Charles Quest-Ritson, as he takes a closer look at the science behind creating a new David Austin bloom.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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'You could walk round it every day and always notice something new': A private tour of the garden of multiple Chelsea gold medallist John Massey
Inspired by his friends Christopher Lloyd and Princess Greta Sturdza, nurseryman and plant breeder John Massey has made a garden in Worcestershire that never ceases to delight, writes Charles Quest-Ritson. Photographs by Clive Nichols
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: 15 years ago we planted a hedge — today, it's 10ft tall, 6ft deep and a joy throughout the year. Here's how we did it
15 years ago, Alan Titchmarsh planted a hedge; today, it's 10ft tall, 6ft deep, he and his wife absolutely love it, 'and so do all the creatures with whom we share our garden.'
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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The arboretum that's been 30 years in the making by a dedicated, passionate family who are dreaming of what it could be in 3,000 years' time
Keen collectors sooner or later find their way to the outstanding trees and shrubs at Bluebell Arboretum in Derbyshire, writes Charles Quest-Ritson. It’s a wonderful sight at this time of year.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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The one website about trees and shrubs that everyone needs to know about
'Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles' has been digitised, making one of gardening's most important works free and at your fingertips.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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'Nature's loo roll': Verbascum, one of the most curious — and useful — plants you'll find in an English country garden
With its ability to rouge cheeks, settle stomachs and operate as Nature’s loo roll, verbascum is as surprisingly useful as it is pretty, discovers Ian Morton.
By Ian Morton Published
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'There is only a handful of fruit trees I’d grow for their non-edible charms — quince is one'
A versatile fruit that's superb in jams and with booze, quince also doesn't make you work too hard for all that pleasure.
By Mark Diacono Published
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'Knowledge, energy, creativity and enthusiasm... He's a sensation': Meet the golden boy of English horticulture
Charles Quest-Ritson meets the best of the next generation of gardeners tending to some of the nation's best gardens.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Last updated
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Revisit the Lincolnshire house once described by Roosevelt as 'almost too good to be true', and later dismantled brick by brick
Our original article on Easton Hall in Lincolnshire from January 25, 1902, allows readers to see what the estate was like when the main house was still present in all its glory.
By Country Life Last updated
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'We want everyone to have a magical time': Life at the smartest flower farm in the Cotswolds
Mary Keen visits the organically run Chippy Flower Farm in Oxfordshire, set up five years ago and already a great success locally — especially its pick-your-own area. Photographs by Jonathan Buckley.
By Mary Keen Published
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Sophie Conran's garden at Salthrop Manor, and its journey from bare field to Cotswold paradise
The walled garden at Salthrop Manor — home of Sophie Conran — hums with life and colour. It’s hard to believe that this was merely a field not so long ago, as Tiffany Daneff explains; photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo for Country Life.
By Tiffany Daneff Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: You wouldn't think it, but Surrey is the most wooded of all England's counties — and its Scots pines are as beautiful as any of its trees
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his house
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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What Britain's top garden designers are planting now to create dazzling spring meadows around their homes
Non Morris reveals the techniques behind the contemporary take on William Robinson’s original idea of naturalising bulbs in long grass, creating an effect even more dazzling than a meadow.
By Non Morris Published
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'The best bulbs are those that give maximum pleasure for minimum effort — and these are the ones which will keep delivering for years'
Now is the time to decide what bulbs to plant to make the most of next spring. Charles Quest-Ritson offers his advice.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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This restoration of a Cliveden garden honours the original vision of Norah Lindsay’s 1930s design
A biodiverse climate-friendly planting scheme replaces the annual bedding displays at this National Trust garden in Buckinghamshire.
By Lotte Brundle Published
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'Why do I allow the fuchsias in my garden to live on? Because, despite their visual shortcomings, I am a fool for edible pleasure'
By Mark Diacono Published
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The enchanting world of Christian Dior’s gardens
Christian Dior’s love of gardens and gardening is celebrated in a new book and exhibition at his family home.
By Amy de la Haye Last updated
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Inverewe: The making of 'The Oasis of the North' in a wind-battered corner of north-west Scotland
Innovative 21st-century composting and mulching techniques combined with a 19th-century shelterbelt ensure that the famous gardens of Inverewe in Wester Ross continue to thrive. Caroline Donald explains more; photographs by Andrea Jones.
By Caroline Donald Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: 'I am so weary of seeing Lutyens-style benches and chairs absolutely everywhere'
A strategically placed chair doubles as a focal point and a spot to rest — but we need to move on from Lutyens-style ones says our regular garden columnist.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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Blurring the lines between ornament and recreation: Nine of Britain’s best Arts-and-Crafts swimming ponds
Before the vogue for bright blue, chlorine-treated swimming pools, members of Victorian and Edwardian society built naturalistic bathing ponds inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement.
By George Townsend Published


