Great Dixter: Ein Garten voller Geschichte und Innovation │Querbeet

Discover Great Dixter in East Sussex, the masterpiece of garden writer Christopher Lloyd. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this historic garden features impressive plant combinations and yew hedge rooms. Learn more about the passion for gardening and the innovations that characterize Great Dixter. A Passion for Gardening Across Two Generations In 1910, Lloyd's father, Nathaniel, bought the property. At that time, the building had already been up for sale for 10 years. Nathaniel Lloyd commissioned the architect Edwin Lutyens to expand the semi-derelict 15th-century building. There was no proper garden at the time, but the house was surrounded by orchards. Construction of the gardens began in 1912. Christopher Lloyd was born in 1921 and inherited his passion for gardening from his parents. After studying horticulture, he began writing about plants. Great Dixter served as an inexhaustible source for his specialist books, articles, and stories. And: Christopher Lloyd experimented. He drew on the creative power of plants without regard for any conventions. Critics initially didn't appreciate Lloyd's playful approach to plants, even deriding him as "colorblind." But his eccentric and often provocative plant combinations increasingly found fans and imitators. To this day, his casual approach to planting remains a model for many garden planners, and not only in England. Yew Hedge Rooms Christopher Lloyd's father, Nathaniel, loved topiary. Together with Edwyn Lutyens, he designed the framework of the garden. Yew hedges create spaces; they connect or separate individual areas. Since time immemorial, hedges have been trimmed to taper towards the top. All parts of the plants then receive equal light. This prevents the hedges from becoming bare at the base. Yew trees are trimmed into a semicircular shape at the top. In winter, snow simply slides off, protecting the hedge. A meadow welcomes visitors at the entrance to Great Dixter. Orchids, buttercups, and cow parsley are allowed to grow almost undisturbed here, and the grass is mown only twice a year. To emphasize that this meadow is intentional and not a neglected part of the garden, the joints of the paved path are kept free of plants as a contrast. 18 yew birds wait in the Peacock Garden. It seems more as if they are discussing things with each other. Christopher Lloyd's mother therefore liked to call it the "Parliament of Birds." Originally, yew pheasants, fighting cocks, and blackbirds roamed here. Eventually, they became peacocks. Great Dixter's most famous motif is probably the "Long Border." A 60-meter-long and 4.5-meter-wide grandstand for shrubs, perennials, bulbous plants, and annuals, an exuberant mix of colors, heights, and textures. A Garden to Enjoy – and Learn Christopher Lloyd never made a secret of the fact that maintaining some parts of the garden requires enormous effort. This hasn't changed to this day. Since Lloyd's death in 2006, the garden has been maintained and developed in his spirit by his long-time Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett. Under the Head Gardener's leadership, the gardeners ensure Great Dixter's magnificent appearance. Great Dixter has also always been a teaching garden, and internships are in high demand. And every year, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world are inspired by Christopher Lloyd's knowledge and experience. Knowledgeable guides know the characteristics of each plant in detail, and sometimes even an anecdote about its breeding history. It's easy for a conversation to revolve around the flower color of a particular variety for half an hour before the group can move on. Those visiting Great Dixter should bring plenty of time, as the garden offers a wealth of impressions. And the scenery is constantly changing as the garden team tries out new plant combinations. You can experience the magic of Great Dixter from April to the end of October. Video Chapters 00:00 Long Border 00:46 Christopher Lloyd's Story 01:05 East Sussex Landscape 01:23 Flower Meadow at the Entrance 01:45 The Garden's Creation 02:15 Yew Hedges 02:58 Christopher Lloyd's Story as a Gardener 04:14 Garden Impressions 04:41 Garden Maintenance 05:00 Garden Tour 05:37 Peacock Garden Welcome to our YouTube channel! Here you'll find gardening tips and inspiration for every season – practical, authentic, and ad-free. For everyone who loves their garden and balcony and wants to be creative. #GreatDixter #GardenJourney #DreamGarden