Summer borders with vibrant flowers and a path towards a stone urn at Nymans, West Sussex — Summer borders at Nymans, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/Laurence Perry

Gardens and landscapes

Learn how the gardens and landscapes in our care have been shaped by history, changing tastes and plant diversity.

Discover more about the history of the plants, garden buildings and garden design at the places in our care.

Dahlias in bloom in the Dahlia Garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, in September.

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The history of dahlias

Uncover the horticultural history of the dahlia, from its origins in Central America to becoming an inspiration for legendary crime writer Agatha Christie.

View of the Canal Terrace and Pin Mill during the winter at Bodnant Garden

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Garden design through the ages

Explore how changing tastes influenced the style of gardens over the centuries and discover where you can find the best examples from each period at the places we care for.

The south front and formal garden at Mount Stewart, County Down in Northern Ireland.

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Plant collectors and historic gardens

Discover some of the finest historic gardens in our care and how they were shaped by Victorian plant collectors, as they gathered plant species from across the globe.

Find out more about the designs and methods at the gardens and landscapes in our care.

The Palladian Bridge at Stowe, Buckinghamshire, spanning the Octagon Lake which is created to look like a river. The arches of the bridge are reflected in the water with a backdrop of green trees. It is one of only four Palladian Bridges in the world and the only one which allowed a carriage to be driven over.

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How has the English landscape garden developed?

The history of the English landscape garden is infused with political meaning. Learn the history and political stories behind this garden style characterised by structured informality.

Sunny view of a glasshouse with flowering plants on either side

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History of glasshouses, orangeries and garden sheds

Discover the evolution in garden buildings – from exclusive hothouses for rare new finds, to the cornerstones of every garden today.

A lake at dawn or dusk with a grand house reflected in it, surrounded by tall green reeds and trees

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How to spot a ‘Capability’ Brown landscape

Brown designed landscapes that fitted in seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. So how do you spot the designs of one of the greatest gardeners of all time?

A grand house, set among bright green grass and winter trees on a bright sunny day with a stepped wall (a ha-ha) in the foreground.

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What is a ha-ha?

A ha-ha is a type of sunken fence used in landscaped gardens to create the illusion of a continuous rolling lawn whilst keeping livestock out. They were popular in the 18th century across Britain.

The Water Garden at Lyveden New Bield, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.

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What is the picturesque?

Find out more about the picturesque aesthetic style and how it became a fashionable choice for wealthy estates in the 18th century. Discover more about the people who influenced the movement.