Gardens in Literature
The range of great literary works influenced and featuring gardens shows just how important these spaces are as creative influences; the twisted rhododendrons of Manderley in Rebecca, the locked garden Mary Lennox discovers in The Secret Garden and the talking flowers Alice meets in Through the Looking-Glass all create unforgettable literary moments. National Garden Scheme gardens are beautiful spaces which could inspire great works of art and, to mark World Book Day, we’ve picked out a few with some obvious connections and inspired features.
Great Maytham Hall, Kent (lead image)
Lutyens designed gardens famous for having inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett to write The Secret Garden (pre Lutyens). Parkland, woodland with bluebells. Walled garden with herbaceous beds and rose pergola. Pond garden with mixed shrubbery and herbaceous borders. Interesting specimen trees.
Next open Wednesday 3rd June Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Click the link below to read more about Great Maytham Hall and see a virtual tour of the garden.
Great Maytham Hall, Kent: the most famous garden in literature – National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Rydal Mount & Gardens
Rydal Mount and Gardens, Cumbria
Rydal Mount is the historic home of the Wordsworth family. The poet, William Wordsworth, was a talented landscape gardener as well as a poet, and the Rydal Mount garden is the largest example of his design.
Next open for the National Garden Scheme on Monday 30th March. Click here for details and more dates
Milton’s Cottage, Buckinghamshire
Milton’s Cottage, Buckinghamshire
Milton’s Cottage is the only surviving residence of John Milton, and the place where he completed his epic masterpiece ‘Paradise Lost’. It is home to a unique literary garden, planted with trees, flowers and fruits that are referenced in Milton’s poetry
Open for the National Garden Scheme on Thursday 25th June. Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden, Lancashire
Elizabeth Gaskell’s garden opened in 2014 after extensive research and restoration work and is now an urban oasis one mile from the city centre. With a layout based on an 1850s map volunteers have recreated the garden using period plants and those referenced in Elizabeth Gaskell’s writings.
Open for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 13th June. Click here for details
Gwaenynog, Denbighshire
Gwaenynog, Denbighshire
Two acres including the restored walled garden where Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated the Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies. Also a small exhibition of some of her work. Long herbaceous borders and island beds, some recently replanted, espalier fruit trees, rose pergola and vegetable area. C16 house (not open) visited by Dr Samuel Johnson during his Tour of Wales.
Next open Sunday 21st June Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Fairdene Gallery Garden, Powys
Fairdene Garden Gallery, Powys
Artist, poet and writer Frieda Hughes is hosting special one-day events with an introductory talk on the garden and art followed by a tour of garden and gallery. The private garden and gallery evolved over 20 years designed and planted by its artist owner and reflects her idiosyncratic style, love of co-ordinated colour, enthusiasm for rock placement, and joy in designing extraordinary metalwork.
Pre-booking essential. Head to our website for dates, details and booking.
Ralph Court Gardens, Herefordshire
Ralph Court Gardens, Herefordshire
Fourteen amazing gardens set in the grounds of a gothic rectory. A family orientated garden with a twist, incorporating an Italian Piazza, an African Jungle, Dragon Pool, Alice in Wonderland and the elves in their conifer forest and our new section The Monet Garden.
Next open Saturday 21st March & Sunday 22nd March
Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Godmersham Park, Kent
Godmersham Park, Kent
Twenty four acres of restored wilderness and formal gardens with a historical association with Jane Austen. Topiary, rose garden, herbaceous borders, walled kitchen garden and recently restored Italian and swimming pool gardens. Superb daffodils in spring.
Next open Sunday 22nd March
Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Goodnestone Park, Kent
Goodnestone Park, Kent
One of Kent’s outstanding gardens and the favourite of many visitors. Fourteen acres with views over parkland. Jane Austen was a frequent visitor, as her brother married a daughter of the house.
Next open Thursday 18th June Find a Garden | National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
Click the link below to read more about Goodnestone Park and to watch a virtual tour of the garden.
Goodnestone Park, Kent; following in Jane Austen’s footsteps – National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)
