The English Country House Garden

September 1, 2014
This stunning visual feast, with photographs by Marcus Harpur, not only highlights 25 of Britain’s signature country house gardens, but also explores the themes that tie them together. Plumptre (Royal Gardens of Europe), a former gardening correspondent for the Times of London, explains the book’s purpose: to “present a ‘whole’ that is more than just the ‘sum of the parts’—parts that are individually attractive but usually presented in isolation, not bound together to present a story.” In his appreciative analysis, Plumptre answers the question: “Why does the country house continue to be the apex of a designer’s aspiration, rather than the small garden in the park?” He traces the key features of basic garden design—the relationship of the garden to the house, the surrounding landscape, detailed planting arrangements, and the human element—highlighting various estates, the personalities who once built them, and those who now sustain them. The role of the garden quickly emerges as a central theme in the history of English country houses, evoking a sensibility that reaches beyond the prescribed care of the elements and asserts that the country house garden is magical.

November 1, 2014

There have been many illustrated books about English country houses that include the residence grounds serving as complementary backdrops. This book is one of the few that has done the opposite, with its focus being on landscaping and plantings on private estates. Plumptre (Heritage Gardens) and photographer Harpur (Dream Gardens of England) have surveyed 25 country house properties in five thematic groups. Each example has a history bound up with past and present owners. The story often includes a visionary planner, interpretation of the original concept, and periods of neglect and restoration. The upkeep of the houses is presented as a dynamic, ongoing process. Plumptre and Harpur document a delightful selection of parterres, walled sanctuaries, terraces, gazebos, treed avenues, woodland gardens, and parks. Some sections have been remade by contemporary designers; geometric ponds and rills are popular additions. VERDICT Most gardeners will find this book inspiring. These grand creations maintain a human scale, with segments defined by walls, hedges, or steps. The subjects of over 100 fine color photographs range from vistas to intimate glimpses. Plumptre provides contact information for the properties, which will be useful to readers who wish to tour these or other estates through Britain's charitable National Gardens Scheme.--David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC

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