A Theme Park for GARDENERS
A Theme Park for Gardeners
Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland, on the edge of the East Midlands, has been enthralling garden fans since 1983, when Geoff Hamilton, the much-loved presenter of BBC Gardeners World, bought a Victorian farmhouse with over 5 acres of land. Barnsdale was Geoff’s ‘great experiment’ in peat-free and chemical-free growing, and so this continues today. Geoff’s legacy continues with his son, Nick, ensuring that the 38 gardens are kept to the stunning standard for which they are renowned, these include a Cottage Garden, Versailles Garden, Wildlife Garden, the Allotment and many more.
Often described as ‘a theme park for gardeners’, Barnsdale Gardens is open all year round (only closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing) and offers visitors the chance to enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Helenium Tea Room daily.
Private events can be held at the gardens too, there are not many places which are better suited as a venue for a wedding than Barnsdale, which excels in providing a magically romantic setting for that special day.
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary this year there will be a number of special ‘birthday’ events throughout the year, including a ‘Gardeners Question Forum’ at Barnsdale, with special guests, the launch of a special ‘Geoff Hamilton Afternoon Tea’ in the ‘Helenium Tearooms’, competitions and a display stand at BBC Gardeners World Live.
The Rose ‘Geoff Hamilton’ will also be highlighted again this year for the 40th anniversary. This beautiful ‘English Rose’ has all the flower shape and scent of the old varieties and the disease resistance of the new. The delicate pink flowers are held on stiff stems over a long season. This variety is available in person from the Barnsdale Gardens Nursery or from their online plant shop.
Nick Hamilton has also recently released his book ‘The Right Genes’ a witty, happy and joyful excursion into the weird and wonderful journey of the Hamilton family. It shows how the lives of a father and son can follow the same pattern and ultimately mirror each other.
This beautifully written story of a boy growing up with his soon-to-be-famous dad has been entered for the McKitterick Prize. It tells the tale of growing up as the son of a visionary of sustainable gardening. Geoff was a firm believer and pioneer in organic gardening and Barnsdale Gardens was his ‘great experiment’ in peat-free and chemical-free growing. This ethos continues there today.
Nick Hamilton is the author of two organic gardening books as well as writing for magazines and other publications. He has appeared on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World and several other television programmes.
The son of gardening legend Geoff Hamilton, Nick is a well-known horticultural expert in his own right. He trained at Writtle College before gaining experience at several wholesale nurseries prior to going into business with his dad at Barnsdale. They worked together for several years before Geoff’s untimely death. Subsequently, Nick took on Barnsdale Gardens and, in 1997, opened them to the public. They continue to inspire, educate and enthral the many gardeners and non-gardeners who visit each year.
Please visit the Barnsdale Gardens website to read more about the gardens or to buy ‘The Right Genes’ and Rose ‘Geoff Hamilton’
Images credited to: Steve Hamilton