Restored 1920s garden once in a state of neglect, now returned to a quality it has not seen for over half a century.
In the picturesque countryside of East Sussex, the historic garden at Knowle House has undergone a remarkable transformation, bringing back to life the Arts-and-Crafts design of renowned garden designer George Dillistone.
Dillistone, a little-known figure in the mid 20th century, was commissioned to work at Knowle House in the late 1920s. His expertise in landscaping and his involvement with fashionable landscapers like Robert Wallace and Co. in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, are evident in the garden's meticulous design.
The garden features a pool, Yorkstone-paved paths, topiary mounds, and a blend of rose and mixed flowerbeds. Dillistone's skill in managing narrow spaces is evident in the incorporation of retaining dry-stone walls and flights of steps. The garden's highlight is the special stone planters for irises and water lilies, a testament to Dillistone's expertise in these plants.
Gladys Benskin, a knowledgeable plantswoman who had a rose named after her, played a significant role in the garden's development. Married to Joseph Benskin, the owner of Knowle House in the late 1920s, Gladys developed a thriving walled garden and created a water garden hidden away in woods at a distance from the house.
The 'Gladys Benskin' rose, originally bred by Dickson Roses, was thought to be no longer in cultivation. However, a chance discovery by rose expert Mary Hember in the Europa-Rosarium in Sanger-hausen, Germany, has brought this beautiful rose back to Knowle. Brexit rules prevented the sending of rooted plants, but bud wood was available. The first batch was not successful, but a second attempt has produced two roses. One of these roses will be planted at Knowle, with the other kept in the nursery to produce more stock.
The new garden has been updated with contemporary planting, highlighting Dillistone's original design. The borders at the eastern end of the formal garden have been planted with perennials for year-round interest, including Geum 'Totally Tangerine', Salvia nemorosa, Persicaria bistorta, Verbena bonariensis, Achillea 'Terracotta', and Stipa lessingiana.
Chris Brown, the head gardener and plantsman, and dry-stone walling expert Daniel Ritchie have been instrumental in the garden's restoration. Brown has planted the beds in the rose garden with spring bulbs, mixed perennials, and contemporary plants such as salvias. Ritchie has rebuilt the walls at Knowle, ensuring the garden's original charm is preserved.
The garden at Knowle House, once a hidden gem, is now open to the public again, thanks to the efforts of its dedicated caretakers. Visitors can step back in time and appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of George Dillistone's design, while enjoying the vibrant contemporary planting that brings the garden back to life.
[1] Dillistone, George. "The Planning & Planting of Little Gardens". 1920. [2] Segrave, A. (ed.). "Knowle and Dillistone: An Archive of Letters". 2010. [3] Brown, C. (ed.). "The Restoration of Knowle House Garden". 2022.
The transformation of Knowle House's garden, a masterpiece by landscape architect George Dillistone, extends to the realms of garden design and lifestyle, capturing the essence of home-and-garden living. The meticulous design, featuring pools, Yorkstone-paved paths, and special stone planters for irises and water lilies, showcases Dillistone's expertise in landscape architecture.
