Don’t miss the February 2024 issue of The English Garden magazine

As 2024 gets underway, we’ve taken inspiration from Janus, the god of beginnings, transitions and time, who looks both forwards and back. Our gardens have all featured in our pages in the past, but we revisit them here and take a closer look at how they’ve developed over time, and how they’re changing now their owners have new challenges to contend with.

At Parham House in Sussex, rampaging bindweed proved the catalyst for a rethink of the walled garden’s beautiful borders, while at Rustling End in Hertfordshire, garden designer Julie Wise echoes the sentiments of many of us as her style of gardening has evolved to put wildlife first. Meanwhile, in Norfolk, Alan Gray reflects on the past 50 years he’s spent creating the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage with partner Graham Robeson.

From The English Garden February Issue. East Rushton Old Vicarage. Credit: Clive Nichols

East Ruston Old Vicarage Alan Gray looks back on the creation of this dazzling Norfolk garden, where he and his partner, Graham Robeson, have carved out their own special slice of paradise.

From The English Garden February Issue. Rustling End. Credit: Anna Omiotek-Tott

Rustling End A visit to this Hertfordshire garden is like a ramble through the English countryside. The gardening is led by nature, keeping the meadows and woodland, old roses and wildflowers, looking ever fresh.

From The English Garden February Issue. Town Place. Credit: Matthew Bruce

Town Place Season after season, this West Sussex garden bedazzles visitors with an all-star show directed by owners Anthony and Maggie McGrath, who are ever conscious of what works for their audience.

From The English Garden February Issue. Moleshill. Credit: Anna Omiotek-Tott

Moleshill Penny Snell has applied her