The gardens, which contain several Grade 1 listed features were laid out in the early 17th century as woodland with temples and statues. The patte d’oie, or goose foot design of avenues with connecting allées, allow views which flow out into the surrounding countryside.
Edward Gilbert bought the estate in 1700, building the house in 1730 and had the formal pleasure grounds constructed in the adjacent woodland. His daughter, Mary Bowes inherited and employed James Payne to extend the house. Her daughter, Mary Eleanor, married John Lyon, the 9th earl of Strathmore. She was a renowned botanist and would have helped to improve the gardens. The Estate has remained in the Bowes Lyon family throughout the decades.
The gardens and pleasure grounds were restored in the 1930s to the 1960 with work done by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe in 1975 and 1992. The gardens lay largely to the north of the house although the 1975 garden, enclosed by a brick wall, lies adjacent to the south front and a small herb garden, designed by Jellicoe in 1992 is on the west side. From the centre of the 18th century north terrace the lawn slopes down to the 3 formal grass allées leading into the Walk Wood. Although renowned for its spring flowers, the garden has much else to offer.

There will be a guided walk and a glass of wine on the terrace beforehand.

The cost of the visit is £15/£17 for non-members. Please contact Richard Haydon on zoomevents@hertsgardenstrust.org.uk to register an interest and he will send you the details of how to pay.

You may like to  read Tom Stuart-Smith’s account of his visit on Instagram.