Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead
10:30 am on Friday 27 June
150 years ago William Robinson wrote The Wild Garden and The English Flower Garden, classics in which he promoted the planting of British flora with non-native species – and broke the mould of Edwardian garden design. He created spaces in which colour, scent and texture were greatly enhanced – and English garden design breathed freely, and certainly more beautifully. He lived at Gravetye from 1884 until his death in 1935 and it was here that he created his masterpiece; a garden of 35 acres within a 1000 acre estate. His wildflower meadow was revolutionary and he was an early champion of herbaceous borders; he has long been recognised as the father of contemporary garden design.
At 10:30 am we shall enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits in the hall of the house he loved before leaving, at 11 am, for a 1 ½ hour guided tour of his garden with one of the gardening team, after which we are at liberty to wander round at our own pace, leaving the Manor at 1 pm.
Gravetye is also known for its culinary brilliance, and you could book lunch by telephoning 01342 810567 or booking at “Dining” on the Gravetye Manor website.
£25 per person, AGA members only.