Borde Hill Garden

This engaging book offers a deep dive into the history and beauty of Borde Hill Garden, showcasing its rare plants and rich heritage.

Renowned for its stunning collection of rare shrubs and trees, Borde Hill Garden is a remarkable tribute to one of Britain's esteemed heritage gardens. Nestled within the picturesque parkland of West Sussex, this garden has a rich history that dates back to the 1890s when Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke, affectionately known as Stephie, began to transform the landscape. Drawing inspiration from the great plant hunters of the early 1900s, he introduced a diverse array of flora from across the globe, establishing a garden that has captivated visitors for generations.

The book is divided into two main sections, starting with 'The History,' where author Vanessa Berridge provides exclusive insights from the Borde Hill archive. This archive houses an array of family photographs and letters exchanged between Stephie and various horticultural figures, including plant hunters and botanical garden directors. These correspondences offer a glimpse into the social and horticultural dynamics of the interwar years, highlighting the bravery and expertise of notable explorers like George Forrest and Ernest Wilson, as well as the professional achievements of Stephie and his gardening peers.

In the second part, readers are invited on a captivating tour of the garden itself, beautifully captured through John Glover's photography. The layout features intimate outdoor 'rooms,' such as the Old Rhododendron Garden and the terraced Italian Garden, each showcasing unique plant species and one of the largest collections of rare trees in private ownership. Concluding with details about historic plants and accolades, Borde Hill Garden is truly a fitting celebration of this extraordinary landscape.