Reviews of Great Dixter Garden

This is a great example of an arts and crafts style garden that is a unique and inspiring place

(5.0/5)

Great....on my way to see the alligators.
The best thing about this garden is that it doesn't conform to all the other 'tasteful' gardens...the colour choices have always ben groundbreaking. I love the fact that it has weeds and no labelling.....on my way...with a sense of humour.

(5.0/5)

Visited this past weekend and have to say it was disappointing given the hype around this garden.
Yes there are wonderful plants but also a huge number of weeds too and no plant labelling.
It could be we were unfortunate in our timing but the day was saved by the wonderful meadow planting.
Have to agree with a previous post, the alligators must go.

(2.0/5)

We have visited Great Dixter Gardens on many occasions over the last four years and love the way it changes over the seasons.
On our last visit a few days ago we were shocked to see the dummy alligators in the square pond. We were told by one of the gardeners that these were found in one of the barns and that they used to be in the pond. He also said that you are gradually restoring the gardens as they were in C. Lloyds time. I cannot believe that Christopher LLoyd could be so lacking in taste.

I do hope that there are no further changes of this nature.

(4.0/5)

Great Dixter offers fantastic day garden courses. I have attended two different study days so far and they have been very informative and fun! There are a variety of topics to choose from and you also spend time in the beautiful gardens with the gardeners. It doesn't matter on your level of knowledge as the courses are enjoyable for all

(5.0/5)

Great Dixter is a sensational garden at all times of year, from spring planting in the meadow through to a wonderful tropical garden in late summer and lovely autumn colour. It has a look as if the gardeners just throw in the seed and let it happen naturally - a look which is very hard to achieve.

I cannot recommend strongly enough - I visit every 6 weeks or so and it is completely different every time but always fabulous

(5.0/5)

first let me add the garden is very very fine. it is packed with different planting. it has a cottagey style which is one I like very much.

it strikes me as a gardeners garden and that is where I have a "slight" problem with it. I can imagine gardeners happily weeding and planting but do they enjoy it? the paths are so narrow and few (and there aren't that many) of the seats offer you a chance to sit and take in the beauty on offer.

Don't get me wrong after a plethora of NT gardens it is a delightful change.

(4.0/5)

You are right Adam - for somewhere I visit about once every 6 weeks I -and others- seem to have forgotten to rave about it (perhaps a secret wish to meet less squish amongst the narrow paths.!) How to describe Dixter without sounding over effusive? It's the bees knees, the cats whiskers, the icing on the cake of Kent gardens..

(5.0/5)

I'd never thought of visiting Great Dixter in the autumn, but did so before it closed this year - it was absolutely fantastic. It's an iconic garden at any time of year, but once you get the autumn hues, it's out of this world. And you have the added advantage of no crowds!

(5.0/5)

My partner and took a one-day course on Exotic Gardening at Great Dixter, run by Fergus Garrett. I can't praise the day, the man and the place highly enough. We learned so much about what to do, and what not to do, and everything was explained in such an easy to follow way. All the staff with whom we came into contact were so friendly, it was like visiting a large, close family. Clearly working there is a labour of love for everyone involved and the spirit of 'Christo' is everywhere, but nowhere more strongly than the Exotic Garden. The whole place is a profusion of planting, gorgeously extravagant and amazingly well maintained. We have joined as Annual Members and will visit often, even though it's nearly 200 miles round trip. A wonderful day out.

(5.0/5)

How come such a popular garden hasn't already collected a catalogue of comments ?
An extraordinary place ! There seems to be a sort of studied nonchalence about the place with a discreet air of healthy disinterest for all things modern.
The various gardens, totally opulent with flowers, combine lovely and sometimes racy colour combinations.
Shabby chic comes to mind in terms of grounds maintenace.. it's quite adequate without being too fussy.
I loved it !

(5.0/5)