James Scott MBALI redesigns the iconic Long Garden at Cliveden

The iconic Long Garden at Cliveden, one of the National Trust’s most beloved formal gardens, has been given a new lease of life — thanks to a sensitive and imaginative redesign by Accredited Designer, James Scott MBALI FSGLD, founder of the award-winning garden design practice Accredited Contractor, The Garden Company Ltd.

Commissioned in 2024, the redesign set out to honour the garden’s heritage while meeting the challenges of a changing climate, year-round visitor appeal and improved accessibility.

At the heart of the redesign lies inspiration from Norah Lindsay, one of Britain’s most influential early 20th-century garden designers, who created the original Long Garden planting scheme. Lindsay was known for combining bold, formal garden structures with soft, romantic planting — a contrast that James Scott and his design team were keen to echo.

The Long Garden also has strong associations with Lady Nancy Astor and the Astor family, who played a pivotal role in Cliveden’s 20th-century history. Lady Astor was a passionate advocate for social reform and hospitality, and the gardens at Cliveden often served as a backdrop for both political gatherings and moments of quiet reflection. The newly revitalised space honours this layered legacy, combining historic resonance with a contemporary sense of place.

Speaking at a launch event held in the Long Garden in early September, Scott commented:

“We wanted people to feel that they are truly immersed in the garden, not just walking through it. There’s a rhythm and flow to the planting that invites visitors to slow down, notice details and live in the moment. Think of the repetition and randomness found in nature — bluebell woods, waves on a beach, mountain horizons — those ideas shaped our planting design.”

What’s New in the Long Garden?

While around 20% of the planting draws directly from Lindsay’s original palette, the majority introduces new selections that prioritise seasonal interest, biodiversity and resilience.

Key features of the redesign include:

• Replanted central flower beds, now subtly enlarged to enhance the scale and dynamic of the space.
• Replacement of the artificial grass path with locally sourced, sawn Yorkstone paving — more fitting for Cliveden’s character and fully accessible to all visitors.
• Removal of ageing box hedging, replaced with Taxus x media ‘Hilli’ yew, chosen for its manageable height and long-term sustainability.
• The addition of new topiary forms, carefully designed to complement existing heritage structures and provide visual anchors for the surrounding planting.
• A focus on planting that evolves gracefully through the seasons, from spring vitality to winter silhouettes, rose hips and seed heads — encouraging repeat visits throughout the year.

A Garden for Now — and for the Future

This is not just a visual transformation, it’s a significant shift towards more sustainable, resilient public planting, moving away from short-term bedding displays and artificial surfaces.

“As any gardener knows, this is only the beginning,”

says Scott.

“Gardens are living, evolving things. The structure is now in place, but it will take a few years for the planting to reach its full potential. A successful garden also depends on intelligent, long-term stewardship — the gardener's quiet edits and intuitive care are essential. One of my favourite sayings about this, which my team know I quote regularly, is that Gardening is the slowest form of performance art.”

Shared Values and a Meaningful Collaboration

Although The Garden Company is best known for its award-winning private gardens, the team has also delivered public realm projects, including work at Temple Gardens, London. Working at Cliveden has held particular significance:

“We’ve felt very aligned with the National Trust’s values,”

says Scott.

“The importance of green spaces for wellbeing, the need to respond to climate change through plant choice and design, the shift away from disposable planting, and the critical role of biosecurity in future-proofing our landscapes — these ideas have shaped every decision in this project.”

The revitalised Long Garden is now open to the public and welcomes visitors to experience its changing moods throughout the seasons.