Traditional English Gardens (Country Series) - Softcover

Lennox-Boyd, Arabella; Perry, Clay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0297793683 ISBN 13: 9780297793687

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd, 1987

Synopsis

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GARDENS explores and celebrates English style in twenty-eight gardens in the care of the National Trust. The product of many influences - a passion for plants, a mild climate suitable for a wide range of species, the English love of the countryside - the gardens shown in the book strike a balance between the formal Italianate style and the Robisonian wilder garden; the ordered man-made garden combined with the idea of the natural Garden of Eden. From the genius of Hidcote Manor to the grandeur of Ham House, from the glory of Mottisfont Abbey to the enchantment of King Henry's Hunting Lodge, these English gardens are masterpieces of skillful planting and display an astonishing array of gardening ideas.

About this title

About the Author

Arabella Lennox-Boyd is a distinguished garden designer with an extensive practice throughout Europe. She is the author of a number of gardening titles. Clay Perry has illustrated ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDENS and OLD ENGLISH VILLAGES in the same series. His work is also familiar to readers of the Sunday Times and other leading colour supplement magazines. Graham Stuart Thomas OBE, VMH, DMH, VMM is Gardens Consultant to the National Trust. He is the author of many books including GARDENS OF THE NATIONAL TRUST.

Review

Centring on what is known as the "Garden of England", the county of Kent, author Robin Whiteman and renowned photographer Rob Talbot travel the country lanes in search of what the term actually means. Also encompassing the counties of Surrey and Sussex, they discover the wonders of the natural countryside, the Downs, forests and coastlines that make up these areas, the first part of the country to be seen by many visitors coming across the Channel by ferry or Eurotunnel. Revealing hidden gems of manicured gardens such as Wakehurst, Sissinghurst and Cowdray they also reveal lesser-known, private gardens such as Dixter, West Dean and the Royal Horticultural Societys' showpiece at Wisley. Photographed alongside are the country villages and towns, attractive churches, houses and cottages all captured in beautiful colour by Rob Talbot, giving the reader a clear picture of why and what the "Garden of England" really is. Part of the "Country Series", this is a collectable book for all those interested in our natural heritage. - Lucy Watson An acclaimed cast collaborate on this lavishly illustrated book: Arabella Lennox-Boyd, acclaimed garden designer, Clay Perry, renowned photographer and Graham Stuart Thomas, arguably the greatest gardener of the 20th century and responsible for the running and design of many of the gardens displayed here. Famous for our gardens throughout the world and emulated across the globe, the history of horticultural pleasure gardens stems back to the Medieval Age and before. This celebration of 28 National Trust gardens reflects this historical heritage. From the billowing herbaceous borders of Blickling Hall and Upton Park to the toparied formality of Hidcote and Knightshayes, all are meticulously maintained. Open to the public they have to be in prime condition and whilst neat grass and formal beds display this to perfection, herbaceous borders are allowed a short leash to display their lushness and fullness to best advantage. This guide showcases all that is best in British gardening and looking at the luscious photographs, it is hardly surprising we make other nations jealous of our horticultural aptitude. - Lucy Watson

About this edition

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0297793683
• ISBN 13: 9780297793687
• Binding: Paperback