Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust and Christopher’s friend and head gardener, Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world. 

In 2003 Christopher Lloyd had the foresight to set up the Great Dixter Charitable Trust. When he died in 2006 the Trust took over the running of the estate.

The Trust’s first task was to acquire the 60% share in the property owned by his niece, Olivia Eller. This was achieved in May 2009 with the help of financial support from major grant giving trusts, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Friends of Great Dixter and many private individuals.

The Trust and its staff are dedicated to maintaining the quality and unique atmosphere of Great Dixter, protecting the house and its contents and ensuring that the garden remains open to inspire visitors with its exuberant and dynamic style of gardening. The surrounding estate with its meadows and ancient woodland continues to be managed in the traditional manner to maximise biodiversity and sustainability.

With help from further grants and donations the Trust has been able to restore the fabric of the historic buildings and provide accommodation and training schemes for young gardeners. It has catalogued and carried out conservation work on the historic archives and furnishings in the house and created better facilities for visitors. Find out more about the 2009 conservation and education project here. 

The Great Dixter Charitable Trust is committed to the legacy left to the nation by Christopher Lloyd. Whilst he is much missed, the house and garden flourishes under the Trust’s stewardship, continuing and expanding on his good work as he intended.

Great Dixter relies on the generosity of its Friends and donors. Their ongoing support is essential for the Trust to continue to carry out its work. Find out more here about how you can support us, or become a Friend. Our Friends become part of the extended Dixter family, and receive a number of benefits. 

The house and garden is open to the public from the start of April until the end of October, 11am until 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday.