Gravetye Manor
Gravetye Manor is surprisingly, relatively unknown outside of the United Kingdom. Despite this, it is one of the most important historic gardens in England, and possibly even our favourite garden (if we really had to choose just one!).
The two storey Elizabethan house was built in 1598 by Richard Infield, an ironmaster, for his new bride Katherine Compton. The manor remained in the Infield family until the late 17th Century and then passed into the hands of trustees in 1784. No records survive of the manor’s history during this time. In 1884 it was purchased by William Robinson.
GRAVETYE MANOR GARDEN
It was no secret that Robinson loathed Victorian formality. So he began by 'de-Victorianising' the existing gardens, ripping out shrubberies and rockeries and adopting the 'right place, right plant' method of planting which remains popular with gardeners today. He introduced the idea of the modern mixed border, adding vivacious planting that romped and cascaded and billowed from the formal lines of the garden, with well-planned vistas and unexpected treasures at every turn. Gravetye Manor remained his home and canvas for fifty years until he died in 1935.
Robinson's core 35 acres of natural gardens has been undergoing a full restoration since head gardener, Tom Coward, arrived in 2010. Trained at Great Dixter, Coward combines Robinson’s dynamic and experimental manner with successional planting to keep the gardens interesting all year round. Tulips in spring, followed by annuals and tender perennials mixed with herbaceous perennials and shrubs to provide a glorious display of flowers right up to the frosts.
This is a beautiful, dynamic yet historic garden that is continually evolving. Every visit feels like a special treat and offers new inspiration. We will simply never tire of visiting Gravetye.

We visit Gravetye Manor on our Spring Treasures & the Chelsea Flower Show tour in 2021.
For information on all of our current tours please click on the link:
Images © Eliza Ford
Nymans
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