Integrating annuals and biennials into your border

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo

In his fourth online lecture, Fergus will study how to use annuals and biennials (including cannas, dahlias, and tender salvias) within the layered system to extend the seasons and add to your seedbank. He will detail how and when to grow plants in the most efficient way, with correct timing essential in spreading out the workload. Fergus will discuss placing, spacing, and planting in the Dixter way, and give an in-depth insight into years of experimentation by Christopher Lloyd and himself.

Slide list available here

Book

Latest

Layered Planting: an intensive 5-part online Symposium

Running from January to May 2024, Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will share his knowledge and skills with you, guiding you month by month towards creating your own long season borders in the world-famous Dixter style, through a combination of online lectures, live Q&A sessions and tailored written support material.
Behind the scenes at Great Dixter in October

Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes Tour in October provides a rare opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when it is normally closed to the public.
Behind the Scenes at Great Dixter in September

Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes Tour in September provides a rare opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when it is normally closed to the public.
Behind the scenes at Great Dixter in August

Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes Tour in August provides a rare opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when it is normally closed to the public.

The Meadows at Great Dixter-a management case study

Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett will discuss how you can create your own meadow using a range of simple practical techniques like hay strewing and the most effective way to use hay rattle. He will talk about how to go from lawn to meadow and controlling the most vigorous grasses and thuggish elements. The lecture will cover assessing, planning and setting out a route forward.
Planning ahead for Spring and Summer

Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will discuss how the team at Dixter push and pull work to ease the workload for Spring and early Summer, examining the practical aspects of the work involved during late autumn, winter and spring.
Composting for Biodiversity and Soil Regeneration

Michael Kennard, Founder and Director of the Compost Club gives a 90 min. lecture on Composting for Biodiversity and Soil Regeneration.
Lessons from last year

Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett will explore the lessons we have learned from last year focusing upon weather, planting combinations, layers and times with Christopher Lloyd.
Working with Bulbs

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo Fergus will look at a snapshot of the garden in September 2020 he will provide insight into his staking techniques as well as editing in the borders and how best to use a notebook.
Lecture Bundle

A collection of ten lectures that explore gardening the Dixter way discussing borders, planting approaches and biodiversity. These lectures were recorded between 2020-2022 and will be available to view online for 12 months.
Pruning - Part One

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo. Fergus will look at a range of pruning tasks in this first presentation on pruning...
Winter Work at Great Dixter

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo Fergus will look at how the work is planned and prioritised over the Winter, and how the pressure is taken off the spring...
The making of Great Dixter

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo In this talk Aaron Bertelsen, Great Dixter’s House Manager will show the evolution from Dixter when it was purchased in 1910 by the Lloyd’s to becoming Great Dixter.
Dixter Tricks

In 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic Great Dixter launched a series of online lectures on Zoom. These are now all available to watch online on demand on Vimeo Fergus will look at a snapshot of the garden in September 2020 he will provide insight into his staking techniques as well as editing in the borders and how best to use a notebook.

Opening times

The House and Gardens are now closed and will re-open on Tuesday 26 March 2024. The Nursery remains open as follows: Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm -4.30pm; Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm; closed on Sunday.
Tickets

Pre-booked tickets are no longer required. Please purchase tickets upon arrival from the kiosk.
Visitor information

Useful information to consider when visiting Great Dixter House and Gardens
The Nursery

The Nursery was started by Christopher Lloyd in 1954, specialising in plants he deemed garden-worthy. We remain a small, personal and professional nursery.
How to find us

Details of how to travel to Great Dixter
Visit the Nursery

Whilst the House & Garden are now closed for the season, our fantastic Nursery is still open. Between November 2022 - April 2023, The Nursery is open: Monday - Friday 9am-12:30 and then reopens 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Saturday - 9am - 12:30 Sunday (closed) There is no entrance charge.
Cafe

The Loggia Cafe serves a delicious range of home-made lunches and refreshments. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. Please inform staff if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies and they will endeavour to help.
Christopher Lloyd

Great Dixter was the home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006), who developed it into a hub of ideas and connections that spread out across the world.
Garden map

Download a map of the garden
About

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.

Sample appeal post

This is summary text, it is best kept to under 100 characters and should include keywords for SEO. Read more

Donate Fundraise