Internationally recognised for his planting schemes at the 2012 London Olympics, and drought-tolerant planting designs at places such as Knepp Walled Garden, James Hitchmough is emeritus professor of horticultural ecology at the University of Sheffield.
In 2022, James moved from Sheffield to his new home in Somerset – Clayhanger – where he can finally create the garden of his dreams. This is James’s own private, personal space, which he has developed from scratch in the past few years, and which has previously only opened to a few professional groups.
Here is your chance to see the exciting planting he is establishing, from a gravel garden to native meadows, with everything from interesting South African bulbs to lesser-known cultivars of trees and shrubs worth growing.
You’ll be able to ask James your questions directly about his plant choice, propagation and planting methods and his planting designs, and learn more about his experiments with climate-resilient planting.
Places for this special day are extremely limited, so book now.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Tickets: £150 per person, including lunch and refreshments.
Programme
10.30am Arrival with tea, coffee and welcome
11am Introduction to the garden with James and guided tour of the top garden
12.30pm Lunch
1.15pm Tour of the meadows and outer garden
2.15pm Q&A with James with tea and cake
3pm Depart
Gardens Illustrated reserves the right to change any element of any event due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. The garden features steps, slopes, level changes and uneven ground and therefore is not suitable for those with accessibility and mobility needs. See full terms and conditions, available at policies.ourmedia.co.uk
