Munstead Wood – a horticultural and architectural treasure.
The back of Munstead Wood, Gertrude Jekyll’s house near Godalming, Surrey, England designed by Edwin Lutyens. The gardens were designed by Gertrude.
Gertrude Jekyll was an amazing gardener, garden writer, photographer, and garden designer who lived in England from the 1840s to the 1930s. She is a personal garden mentor for me especially for the way that she combined the artistic and practical approaches to gardening.
The view across the water-filled tank at Munstead Wood.
Gertrude’s gardens at Munstead Wood were where she learned the practical gardening methods and design ideas that she shared with the many readers of her books and articles. She was a prolific writer who had a wide audience in England and many other countries including America.
The beautiful local stone that is used to build the house blends right into the garden.
Gertrude Jekyll and her architect Edwin Lutyens had a long friendship as well as a business relationship. Edwin designed the house and Gertrude the gardens. There are over a 100 joint projects as well as approximately 300 more gardens that Gertrude designed on other sites.
Gertrude had an international design portfolio but her own house and garden at Munstead Wood meant the most to her. Here – seen in spring with gorgeous rhododendrons.
Latest updates since the site was acquired by the National Trust
The National Trust of England and Wales acquired Munstead Wood in 2023. It is a magical site tucked into hilly country in the county of Surrey in the south-east of England. They are carrying out studies to determine how to best stabilize and upgrade the facilities.
Please review this blog for more information about Munstaed Wood or check out the National Trust website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/munstead-wood/what-next-for-munstead-wood
View of Munstead Wood house from the side lawn.
In future blogs I will delve into Gertrude’s many contributions to the way that we garden today.
Katherine Mills – General Manager with Jenny Rose Carey – Garden Historian.
Bye for now Gardening Friends
Jenny Rose Carey
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