Readers’ Day at Gravetye Manor: Gardening with Nature – 23 April 2012

BOOK NOW - LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING

Gravetye Manor is tucked deep in the Sussex countryside, a 16th-century manor house complete with terraced lawn, exuberant borders, a meadow and unusual, oval-shaped walled garden.

Run now as an exclusive country house hotel, Gravetye’s most notable past owner was William Robinson. Already an established garden writer, it was here at Gravetye that Robinson put into practice his ideas for the English natural garden. When he published his book The Wild Garden (1870), he was something of a maverick, encouraging naturalised plantings of both British natives and exotic plants to garden enthusiasts more familiar with the fashion for regimented bedding displays.

During your day, head gardener Tom Coward and planting expert Noël Kingsbury will talk about William Robinson and his gardening legacy. You’ll then enjoy a Champagne Taittinger reception and a delicious three-course lunch from the hotel’s award-winning kitchen, followed by a guided tour of the gardens in the afternoon, finishing on the terrace for tea.

Date 23 April, 2012
Held at Gravetye Manor, Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex RH19 4LJ
The Day 9.45am-4.30pm
9.45am Arrival and coffee
10am Talk by Noël Kingsbury on William Robinson’s approach to gardening
11.30am Head gardener Tom Coward talks about Gravetye past, present and future
12.45pm Champagne Taittinger reception followed by lunch
2.30pm Garden tours
4pm Tea on the terrace

Your guest speakers Noel Kingsbury and Tom Coward

Noël Kingsbury is a lecturer and planting designer who is known internationally as a writer on plants and gardens, focusing on the ecological and naturalistic.

Tom Coward worked at Great Dixter before becoming Gravetye’s head gardener. His focus is to conserve Robinson’s work while progressing the garden in a continued spirit of experimentation. 

How to book your tickets

Tickets cost £150  To book call 0844 815 5853* and quote 'GMANOR12'

OR CLICK HERE

Places are limited so early booking is essential.
Three-course lunch and champagne included in the price. Please advise of any dietary or special access requirements.
NOTE Guests are responsible for their own travel.

PLUS SPECIAL OFFER

Gravetye Manor is offering Reader Day guests a special price on accommodation for stays of 1 or 2 nights prior to, or after the event. Contact the hotel for full details on 01342 810567 and quote 'Gardens Illustrated'.

* Calls to this number from a BT landline will cost no more than 5p per minute. Calls from mobiles and other providers may vary. Overseas readers should call +44 1795 412889.