English Country Gardens

On the following pages, we explore the many faces of traditional English country garden design and how differing styles can make comfortable bed-fellows. Also, we look at how various design elements can be adapted to gardens of all sizes and locations.
We do this by first showcasing an array of gardens drawn from all over England that run the gamut from well-established, internationally renowned open gardens, such as the Sissinghurst Castle Garden, to recently restored and newly opened gardens, such as Bridgewater in Greater Manchester, run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). To this we add a selection of privately owned gardens, some of which open their gates to the public.
Next we demonstrate just how much fun you can have adapting some of the key elements of traditional English country style to create small, urban gardens that meet today’s lifestyle needs. This we do by taking a look at some of the most engaging, inspiring and innovative gardens, all of them award-winners, from the annual, London-based Chelsea Flower Show. Run by the RHS, this is the world’s leading garden show and an experience not to be missed if you’re planning a trip to Dear Old Blighty.
We finish by bringing you a diverse selection of Australian gardens which, to one degree or another, have been influenced by classic English country design. Some of these gardens inhabit challenging coastal or bushland settings. Some are large-scale rural properties, others call the inner-city home, but all illustrate how with a thorough understanding of the prevailing climate and careful plant choices, the English country garden style can be successfully modified to flourish in Australian conditions. Enjoy!