In the Footsteps of Giants: The Women Who Built Garden History Panel & Reception
February 15 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
$45
Co-Sponsored with
Experience an unforgettable weekend celebration of garden history and design. Begin with free, one-day admission to visit both Chanticleer in the winter and Longwood Gardens. Cap off your weekend with a special speaker panel at Scott Arboretum & Gardens featuring a U.S. appearance of the custodians of three iconic British gardens: Vita Sackville-West’s Long Barn, Beth Chatto’s Plants & Garden, and Gertrude Jekyll’s Hestercombe, moderated by landscape designer Annie Guilfoyle. They will share never-before-told stories, insights into stewardship, and why these garden legacies remain profoundly relevant today. A catered reception with the speakers follows the discussion.
Registration fee: $45
ACCESS Cardholder Registration: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Registration includes:
- Admission to Chanticleer on Saturday, February 14 during their winter open-day.
- Admission to Longwood Gardens on February 14 or 15.
- Access to the in-person panel discussion.
- Access to a catered reception after the panel with speakers. Includes wine and beer.
About the Panel
Three of the most influential gardens in the United Kingdom were shaped by extraordinary women whose ideas continue to inform how we design, plant, and experience gardens today.
This panel discussion will explore the lives, work, and lasting influence of three towering figures in garden history. Bringing the stories to life are the current custodians of these iconic gardens, who share personal perspectives on the challenges, rewards, and responsibilities of caring for these living legacies. Expect rarely shared insights, newly revealed details, and a rich collection of moving, surprising, and entertaining stories from the gardens themselves. The panelists include:
- Rebecca Lemonius, Custodian of Vita Sackville-West’s Long Barn in Kent; horticulturist and student of Great Dixter. Long Barn is the formative garden that preceded Sissinghurst, where Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson honed their early horticultural vision.
- Julia Boulton, Chair of Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens in Essex; granddaughter of Beth Chatto. Beth Chatto was a pioneer of the “right plant, right place” philosophy, whose approach remains foundational to contemporary planting design.
- Claire Greenslade, Former Head Gardener at Gertrude Jekyll’s Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset; currently developing a historic walled garden on a private estate. Hestercombe was created in collaboration with architect Edwin Lutyens and stands as a masterwork of design, craftsmanship, and artistic partnership.
Moderated by renowned landscape designer Annie Guilfoyle, the panel delves into why these women were so instrumental in shaping horticulture and garden design—and why their ideas remain powerfully relevant today.
Program Details
- This presentation will be recorded. The recording link will be sent after the program is complete.
- In case of inclement weather, the program will take place via Zoom webinar. Details will be emailed to participants.
- Your registration confirmation email will serve as entry to both Chanticleer and Longwood Gardens.
- Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.
