Cliveden Long Garden Project

Cliveden’s action towards sustainability

The restoration of the Long Garden is a response to both ecological concerns and a desire to honour Norah Lindsay’s original design vision. The previous annual bedding schemes, though visually appealing, were unsustainable due to their monocultural nature, high energy and resource demands, and the need for frequent replanting.

In 2022, Cliveden began transitioning towards a more sustainable approach in the Long Garden, integrating biodiverse plantings and reducing soil disruption with a no-dig system. The new design aims to create a resilient, long-term planting scheme that reflects Norah Lindsay's influence, while also addressing today’s environmental challenges.

A durable path for the future

Approximately 13 years ago, artificial grass was laid along the central path of the Long Garden to address the issue of a muddy and unpleasant walkway for our visitors. We carried out a period of consultation with our appointed landscape designer, building surveyor and the local planning authority, as well as conducting accessibility surveys.

As a result, we decided to replace the path with a sawn York stone paving, which better aligns with the garden's aesthetic, our values in taking sustainable action, and our drive for greater accessibility.

The new path is wider, providing more space and a more comfortable walking experience for all our visitors. The paving has a smooth, even surface, rather than riven options with natural undulations, making it more welcoming and accessible for all our visitors. The sawn paving has hand dressed edges to give a softer, more crafted & aged appearance.

Honouring Norah Lindsay’s 1930s designs

Norah Lindsay, an influential garden designer of the early 1900s, was known for her bold, dynamic planting schemes that emphasized contrasts in height, texture, repetition, and thoughtful use of colour. In tribute to her vision, we decided that the new planting scheme in the four central beds of Cliveden’s Long Garden would embrace all these elements. A carefully selected array of plants provides visual interest from spring to autumn, with attention also given to the winter months. For instance, the towering Miscanthus ‘Silberfeder,’ with its silvery flowerheads reaching over two meters once fully established will create a sense of drama and immersion at the garden’s entrance, allowing other plants to be glimpsed beyond. Aruncus dioicus has been introduced to offer striking contrast and shape, while new topiary connects seamlessly with the surrounding formal elements. This design also considers the needs of pollinators, ensuring the garden remains vibrant and ecologically supportive year-round, while honouring Lindsay’s timeless approach to garden design.

James Scott, MD/Principal Designer at The Garden Company, shared his thoughts on the project: ‘It’s been a true privilege to follow in the footsteps of Norah Lindsay, a pioneering figure in garden design during the interwar years. Lindsay was known for her bold and dynamic planting schemes, and we’ve strived to honour that ethos throughout our work. At the same time, we've considered how she might have been inspired by contemporary planting trends, such as the use of grasses to bring a more naturalistic feel. Our aim has been to celebrate Lindsay’s original vision while introducing the energy and diversity of a modern herbaceous perennial scheme’.

Anthony Mason, Head Gardener at Cliveden, said: ‘I am very excited by the changes we have made to the planting. Working with our landscape designer we have come up with a diverse range of plants that is in keeping with Norah’s planting ethos. The garden team and I are thrilled with how the project has gone and are enjoying watching the plants grow and having their moment throughout the seasons. The varying heights, colour and texture along with the planting combinations are already a real treat to see come to life’.