The Best English Gardens with Vivienne Haxby

England is considered by many to be the most garden-loving country in the world; and there is certainly a lot to love. This conversation will explore ten of England’s loveliest gardens, all abounding in individual charm and character. We’ll learn about their history, their prominence in English culture, and the masterminds behind these impeccable creations.

Our conversation will cover an array of carefully selected gardens. We will see the Arts and Crafts movement-inspired garden at Hidcote, the creation of the American Major Lawrence Johnston, and the delightful Sissinghurst designed by the fascinating Vita Sackville-West. Stourhead Gardens have been described as a ‘living work of art’, and the gardens at Chatsworth which were originally designed by Capability Brown, have something new to delight on every visit. Cliveden is lovely in every season, and the Italian gardens, water terraces, and rose garden make a suitably grand setting for Blenheim Palace. The head-gardener at Harewood, Trevor, ensures that there is always something new to see there - be it in the Himalayan Garden, the Lakeside Garden, or the wonderful Walled Garden.

Closer to home (for Context expert Vivienne anyway!) is the lovely and historic Chelsea Physic Garden, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kew. We’ll discuss both charming gardens before our final stop as we hear about the Chelsea Flower Show - probably the most famous flower show in the world.

Led by an expert on the Stately Homes of England, Viv Haxby, this interactive seminar will describe some of the country’s most loved gardens. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an enhanced knowledge of the gardens of England.

Viv has a degree in English Language and Medieval Literature from Durham University. She spends part of each year in France, but for the past 25 years London has been home. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for London's C18 and C19 history and her detailed knowledge of the city's royal connections. She has a particular interest in the great aristocratic landholdings of London, and has created walks around the 'villages' of London such as Chelsea, Bloomsbury and Spitalfields. Viv also works as a volunteer marshal, or 'Green Gown' at Westminster Abbey.

This conversation is suitable for all ages

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.