20th century gardens

 Early twentieth century gardens continued the Arts & Crafts tradition, as seen in the work of Harold Peto, who added architectural structure to his plantings. The garden created by Peto at West Dean includes a pergola nearly a hundred metres long created in 1911, and was the setting for lavish parties where Edward VII was a regular guest.

 click here to see video of West Dean retoration

 Following the decadence of the Edwardian era, gardening was dramatically scaled back in the aftermath of two world wars and low-maintenance gardens became a necessity for many. 

 Some owners continued to create private gardens, among them Simon Sainsbury at Woolbeding Gardens. Here, the American garden designer Lanning Roper worked from 1973, incorporating elements from the existing historic garden into his design. This work was followed by later additions by Isabel and Julian Bannerman. The garden includes a lake, fountain garden, pergolas, a wilderness garden and many garden buildings and fine specimen trees.

Woolbeding Gardens (©NT/Stephen Robson)
Long border (Lanning Roper)	Summerhouse & cascade (Bannermans)

At Great Dixter, garden writer Christopher Lloyd added to the garden framework created by Lutyens in 1911 for his father, Nathaniel, and is renowned for his innovative plantings and experimental colour combinations, described in his books and in his column in Country Life. To see more about Christopher Lloyd and Great Dixter view this video clip Alan Titchmarsh at Great Dixter

Great Dixter

Other 20th Century Gardens

See the tabs on the right or click here for Literary and Artistic Gardens  and  The Plantsman's Garden