In the Footsteps of Gertrude Jekyll

Summary

Over the last hundred years few would doubt the great influence Gertrude Jekyll had on garden design. In her lifetime Jekyll was a prolific garden designer creating over 400 gardens; she was a plantswoman extraordinaire, painter and writer, however she is perhaps best remembered for her association with the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and together they left an unrivalled gardening legacy.

Our tour stretches across the south of England: from the scenic West Country to the Home Counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey – where she lived for most of her life.

We start our tour at the private garden of Durmast House, Hampshire, which was originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll and comprises a formal rose garden, Victorian rockery and delightful orchard. We shall also visit Knightshayes, with a unique collection of plants, and Hestercombe, perhaps Jekyll and Lutyens’ most famous collaboration. Our last visit in the southwest is East Lambrook Manor, recognised throughout the world as the ‘Home of English Cottage Gardening’.

Heading eastwards, a highlight of this holiday will be the rare chance to visit Munstead Wood, Jekyll’s home for almost 40 years. We also have the chance to enjoy looking round the distinctive garden rooms at Loseley Park, and nestled in the Sussex countryside we have the chance to visit Gravetye Manor, the home of William Robinson, with whom Gertrude Jekyll collaborated on plants and writings, and which today is considered one of the most historically significant gardens in England. We also visit the nearby garden of Vann with its woodland and water gardens, while at the privately owned Manor House near Upton Grey, we see a Jekyll garden originally laid out in 1908 and now authentically restored to its former glory.

Tour highlights:

Previous

Next

• Hestercombe, one of Jekyll and Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces and tour with head gardener
• Garden tour and private dining experience at Gravetye Manor
• Munstead Wood, Gertrude Jekyll’s own private haven
• The lovingly restored gardens at Upton Grey Manor House
• Visits to Durmast House, East Lambrook Gardens, Vann gardens and Loseley Park