A Hidden Gem Turned National Treasure
Tucked away in the rolling Cotswold countryside, Hidcote Manor Garden is one of the most celebrated gardens in England. Designed by the visionary American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, this Arts and Crafts masterpiece has inspired garden lovers for over a century. With its intricate garden rooms, clever use of structure and colour, and a rich variety of planting, Hidcote remains a must-visit for any gardening enthusiast.
I first visited Hidcote years ago, and from the moment I stepped through its gates, I knew I was somewhere special. It’s not just a garden—it’s an experience, a journey through different moods and styles, all held together with the precision and artistry of a master gardener.
The Man Behind the Masterpiece: Lawrence Johnston
Hidcote’s story begins in the early 20th century when Lawrence Johnston, a wealthy expatriate from America, settled in the Cotswolds with his mother. An avid plant collector and designer, he transformed the grounds around Hidcote Manor into a garden that would become one of the greatest in Britain.
Johnston had a deep understanding of plants, structure, and seasonality. He wasn’t just designing for immediate impact—he was crafting a landscape that evolved beautifully throughout the year. His travels took him as far as China and South Africa in search of rare and unusual plants, many of which still thrive at Hidcote today.
The Magic of Hidcote’s Outdoor Rooms
One of the most defining features of Hidcote is its garden rooms—a concept that has influenced countless gardens since. Instead of a single, open space, Johnston created a series of enclosed gardens, each with its own distinct character, all connected by pathways, hedges, and archways. It’s like walking through a story, each turn revealing a new chapter.
The Red Borders
Perhaps the most famous feature, the Red Borders, is a stunning display of rich, warm colours, where fiery reds and deep oranges dominate. Late summer is the best time to see them in full glory, with dahlias, cannas, and crocosmias creating an intense, painterly effect.
The White Garden
In contrast, the White Garden is a lesson in restraint. Here, Johnston used shades of white and silver to create a cool, elegant space, demonstrating his mastery of colour and texture.
The Long Walk
A breathtaking avenue stretching from the house, The Long Walk is a perfect example of how Hidcote blends formal structure with looser planting. In summer, this path is flanked by towering perennials and grasses, creating a natural, almost wild feel against the clipped hedges.
The Bathing Pool Garden
A more intimate and peaceful space, the Bathing Pool Garden is a hidden sanctuary with water at its heart. The reflections in the still pool enhance the sense of calm, making it a favourite spot for quiet contemplation.
Hidcote’s Influence on Modern Gardening
It’s hard to overstate the impact Hidcote has had on British gardening. Many of today’s best garden designers, from Vita Sackville-West to Dan Pearson, have drawn inspiration from Johnston’s approach. The idea of creating a garden with distinct rooms, carefully curated colour schemes, and a balance between formality and wildness can be traced directly back to Hidcote.
A visit to Hidcote is invaluable for anyone planning or redesigning their garden. It teaches us how to work with space, create different moods within a garden, and use plants for their beauty and role in the broader composition.
Planning Your Visit
Hidcote Manor Garden is managed by the National Trust, ensuring its continued care and preservation for future generations.
Location: Hidcote Bartrim, near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Best Time to Visit: Spring for the wisteria and tulips, summer for the Red Borders and Long Walk, autumn for rich foliage colours
Facilities: Café, plant centre, and guided tours available
Bringing a Bit of Hidcote to Your Garden
While few of us have the space to recreate a garden on the scale of Hidcote, we can certainly borrow some of its principles:
Think in Rooms: Use hedges, trellises, or planting to create separate spaces within your garden.
Experiment with Colour: Choose a colour theme for different areas—warm, fiery tones in one section, calming whites and silvers in another.
Structure Matters: Balance soft planting with hard landscaping—hedges, pathways, and walls create the backbone of a great garden.
Layer Your Planting: Mix perennials, shrubs, and climbers to build depth and year-round interest.
A Garden Worth Revisiting
No matter how often I visit Hidcote, there’s always something new to discover. The light changes, the planting evolves, and different seasons reveal different aspects of its beauty. It’s a garden that rewards curiosity, inviting you to slow down, explore, and take inspiration from its timeless design.
Hidcote is an essential pilgrimage for anyone passionate about gardens—whether you’re an amateur gardener, a professional, or simply someone who loves beautiful places. It’s a reminder that a garden is more than just a collection of plants; it’s a living, breathing work of art.
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