Discover one of England’s most admired historic gardens in this special evening event dedicated to the story of Melbourne Hall Garden.
Join us for the launch of the new title Melbourne Hall Garden, with author Jodie Jones, photographer Andrea Jones, and chaired by George Plumptre.
Famed for its sweeping yew tunnel and Robert Bakewell’s extraordinary wrought-iron arbour – the celebrated ‘Birdcage’ that made his name – Melbourne’s garden has changed little since the early 18th century. Yet in the 20th century, it underwent extensive restoration, and under the care of Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr it continues to flourish. Unusual specimen trees, shrubs, and herbaceous borders have been introduced, bringing fresh botanical interest to this classical landscape.
This talk will explore Melbourne Hall Garden’s layered history and celebrate its ongoing evolution. Join us for an evening of history, horticulture, and artistry in one of England’s great gardens.
Speakers
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Jodie Jones
Jodie Jones
Jodie Jones is formerly the Features Editor of Gardeners' World Magazine, Desk Editor at The Daily Telegraph and Deputy Editor of Gardens Illustrated.
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Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones is one of the world's foremost garden photographers, having built up an international reputation for her photographs of landscape architecture, gardens and plants.
The latter was the subject of Andrea's critically acclaimed solo book Plantworlds (2005) followed by her internationally best selling ‘The Garden Source’ published by 8 Books. ‘The Garden Photography Workshop’ was published by Timber Press and latterly she has illustrated ‘At West Dean’ written by Jim
Buckland & Sarah Wain published by Frances Lincoln.
Andrea's extensive collection of work forms the stock library Garden Exposures and appears in the international press including Country Life, Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, The Garden Design Journal, Country Living and The English Garden and Flower Magazine (USA) Hauser Magazine (Germany). Newspaper assignments have recently included commissions from The Washington Post.
Andrea has been the recipient of various awards including The Garden Media Guild ‘Gordon Rae Garden Photographer of the Year in 2008 and 2018. An RHS Gold Medal and Best Portfolio of Show in 2024 RHS Silver Gilt medal and People’s Choice for her portfolio 2025, both exhibited at The Saatchi Gallery
London. Andrea loves to spend time in Europe and invited to be a Judge for the International Garden Festival at Chaumont Sur Loire, France in 2023 and 2024.
Andrea is a Fellow of the RSA and has exhibited her work around the world having had several successful solo exhibitions in both the UK and US.
You can see more on her website here: https://www.andreajones.co.uk/ -
George Plumptre
George Plumptre
The Honourable Wyndham George Plumptre is chief executive of the National Gardens Scheme. He is an expert on gardens and has been an author and journalist, including gardening correspondent for The Times.
