British Gardens: A Nation's Green Passion Revealed

The unique charm of British gardens stems from a climate ideal for diverse horticulture and a profound national enthusiasm for gardening. Although garden access has seen a slight decrease from over 90% to 83% in the past 25 years, a significant majority of the population still benefits from these green spaces. This widespread engagement transcends social divides, uniting people across class, race, gender, and age.

Several outstanding gardens are featured, including the King's private sanctuary at Birkhall in the Cairngorms National Park, offering an intimate glimpse into a royal passion for horticulture. Scampston Hall in North Yorkshire showcases a meticulously compartmentalized walled garden designed by Piet Oudolf, noted for its structural hedges and prairie planting.

Further highlights include Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, a domestic-scale garden celebrated for its interconnected areas and a remarkable partnership between design and cultivation. Balmoral Cottage in Kent exemplifies the British garden's love for topiary, with enchanting box hedging and whimsical figures. Finally, Rousham in Oxfordshire is lauded as a prime example of a landscape garden, largely unchanged since the 1730s and considered superior to Capability Brown's designs.