William Robinson Woodland Garden
William Robinson planted tens of thousands of trees over the course of his 40 years at Gravetye and pioneered his own style of woodland gardening. He introduced ornamental trees and shrubs from around the world with carpets of bluebells, cyclamen and narcissi to create beautiful and natural looking arrangements.
As well as writing chapters and articles on the subject, he shared his ideas with his friend Gertrude Jekyll and other people busy developing Nymans, Leonardslee and Wakehurst. This part of Sussex was becoming a woodland gardening hub!
William Robinson’s beloved Narcissus courtesy of RHS Lindley Collections
Robinson’s favourite Magnolia courtesy of RHS Lindley Collections
The ‘William Robinson Woodland Garden’ project will start in the woody dell next to the High Weald Landscape Trail, at the start of the Lower Lake walk. This peaceful spot is accessible from the Main Drive and next to our marked trail.
Sadly, much of what Robinson planted in Gravetye’s woods has been lost since and planting around the lake has disappeared or become overgrown. As part of our mission to share William Robinson’s legacy, the Charity is committed to creating a woodland garden for everyone to enjoy, free of charge.
We plan to introduce decorative and climate resistant trees and plants along the shores of Lower Lake taking inspiration from Robinson’s writings and images captured at the time.
With the help of a digger, invasive bamboo and sedge has been removed beneath the wingnut and oak trees.
Anemone Robinsoniana and Gravetye Giant around Lower Lake today
Over the coming months we will prepare the soil and gradually introduce hardy exotic plants from China, the Himalayas, Andes and South Africa, along with native woodland plants.
We will increase biodiversity at the same time as bringing colour, fragrance and texture to the dell.
The garden will take many years to develop, and we invite you to join us in person or virtually. You can volunteer with us, donate plants and materials, or make a donation towards the project.
“The first and main thing to do is to bring into view the beautiful wild plants that grow in the place”
William Robinson
