Garden conservation

It takes more than just gardening to care for some of the UK's most important gardens. Behind the scenes our experts provide the specialist conservation skills needed for the long-term future of these special places

The shapes of the topiary in the Sunken Garden at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire are accentuated in winter — The shapes of the topiary in the Sunken Garden at Hinton Ampner in Hampshire are accentuated in winter

The Winter Walk at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire. covered in hoar frost in December — The Winter Walk at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, covered in hoar frost in December

A carpet of snowdrops and the dwarf iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' flowering in late January in the Winter Garden at Dunham Massey in Cheshire

Container display in the Plant House at Hidcote in Gloucestershire, including a large agave, orchids and aeoniums

Houseplants to explore in our conservatories and glasshouses

As houseplants enjoy a renaissance, there’s never been a better time to get indoor plant inspiration from National Trust gardens.

The houseplant-filled conservatory at Monk's House in East Sussex

Potted history of houseplants in our houses and collections

Discover the history of houseplants and find inspiring ideas for plants to grow at home.

Midwinter sunrise across the Tyntesfield estate

Gardens behind the scenes: looking after Tyntesfield in winter

Enjoy crisp, winter walks at Tyntesfield in Somerset, a remarkable Victorian estate, little changed in 150 years. Follow the gardens team behind-the-scenes over the course of a gardening year.

Enjoy winter walks

Gardens through the ages

Learn about medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and 20th-century gardens, and where to see our finest examples.

Learn about garden history

View of Hill Top garden — View across the garden at Hill Top

Restoring Beatrix Potter's Garden

Discover how Beatrix Potter's garden was brought to life again through the illustrations from her books and letters.

Read the article

Conservation in action

Westbury Court Engraving by Johannes Kip 1707

Duck islands return to Westbury Court after 300 years

For the last fifty years, gardeners at Westbury Court have been reviving the UK's last remaining Dutch-style water garden from dereliction. The latest project sees the return of duck islands to the canal, offering a safe haven for nesting waterfowl.

Gardener cutting the 14m high yew hedge from hydraulic cherry picker. Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales

Heroic gardening feats

From abseiling gardeners to horse-powered pond dredging, discover some of the unusual gardening techniques needed to keep your favourite historic gardens looking picture-perfect all year round.