The Secret Gardeners: Britain's Creatives Reveal Their Private Sanctuaries

by Victoria Summerley, Hugo Rittson Thomas (Illustrator)

The Secret Gardeners is a captivating photographic portrait of the private gardening passions of 25 of the UKs foremost artists, designers, actors, producers, composers, playwrights, sculptors and fashion designers. Accompanying meaty essays explaining the owners inspiration and passion are photographs revealing the beautiful gardens that the public rarely see.

The Secret Gardeners include Andrew Lloyd Webber, Anish Kapoor, Jeremy Irons, Cath Kidston, Terry Gilliam, Prue Leith, Ozzy Osbourne, Sting, Julian Fellowes and Rupert Everett.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Travel, Nature

272 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2017

About the author

Victoria Summerley is an award-winning garden journalist and former editor of The Independent newspaper in the UK.

She lives in Bibury, Gloucestershire, the village once described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds'

Reviews

[Matt Mattus · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book wasn't exactly what I was expecting it to be (an impulse purchase on Amazon), I enjoyed it but more as a one-time read. I guess what surprised me is that The Secret Gardeners isn't about gardeners (as I thought it was - my fault, however!),as this is a book which is more about the garden owners themselves. Granted, these are well known British citizens who happen to also own incredible properties in which they (presumably) garden. A better title may have been 'Amazing Gardens of Rich and Famous British Creative People' but when I read it now, I suppose that it was clear enough. Just know about the subject before investing in this book. Don't get me wrong, I have a bit of a voyeuristic side as well, but I sort of expect that the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber probably isn't out there weeding his roses. After I opened it I was hoping to see lots of inspiration for my own garden at least, as one would get from a book about Sissinghurst. - but again, these gardens aren't exactly Sissinghurst. A few are spectacular, and while it's always interesting to see behind the wall, this book just wasn't as useful as I had hoped it would be. There isn't anything wrong with the book though. Good writing, lovely photos, hard-cover, and good paper stock. - it's still a very nice object. I don't doubt that the subjects in this book love plants and gardens, though, and of course, these are all lovely gardens ( if not castles, really). I guess the thing is that both you and I both know that there are probably a few 'real' gardeners behind the splendor of these properties. I would have preferred (and enjoyed) hearing their stories from them as well, and I think this was what I was expecting more of. Instead, this book presents each property in much the same way Architectural Digest may present the home of a famous actor - big, professional glossy photos with posed property owners and maybe their dogs, and while the gardens themselves are worthy with their grandeur and scope, this may not be a book that I pull off of the shelf all that often if at all, to reference. It's truly a coffee table book, which has its place as a prop on those coffee tables as shown in Architectural Digest.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this book on my Christmas wish list. So happy I did. I've always enjoyed viewing English gardens in person as well as books and videos. This book did not disappoint. The introduction of artists - from painters, sculptors, writers and actors - and their gardens was inspiring. Their credit to their landscapers and gardeners in the upkeep was revealing. The photographs and descriptions were exceptional. Made me look up plant and flower varieties as well as give me hints to improve my garden!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photos of the lush gardens and estates owned by British celebrities and high profile Brits. I loved looking at the beautiful houses and the amazing gardens featured in this book! I also enjoyed the chapters that gave a little bit of background on each of the featured gardens and its owners, as well as some insight from some of the actual gardeners themselves, who are employed in maintaining these beautiful properties. This makes for a fabulous coffee table book or gift for someone who appreciates the beauty in a garden.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great complement to the author-photographer team's earlier book on Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds. Compared to the Cotswolds book, at least we know where the money comes from for these gardens! As always with these type of books, I'd love to see a garden plan (with scale and north point!) to understand the relationships between areas in a garden. Thanks to the owners for sharing. Borrowed from my local library.

[Lois Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are fan of British estate gardens, this book is for you. It is filled with gorgeous photos and interesting interviews with owners and their gardeners. If you are looking for gardening tips, this is not the book for you as what they do is not practical on a smaller scale.

[SusanA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos of some great gardens (and estates) in England that are owned by artists of all kinds. A lot of explanatory text on how things were done, most of which I frankly skimmed over. The historic notes were interesting and the photos were beautiful.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about the gardens and the inspirational gardeners. A few are in my area and will definitely be visiting Hauser and Wirth soon.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and inspiring book. How i loved touring these lovely gardens.

[KO]

one-time read