Highgrove: An English Country Garden

by Charles III, Bunny Guinness (Text)

The pioneering demonstration of organic gardens planned and planted by the Prince of Wales over thirty years at Highgrove. The gardens at Highgrove are one of the world’s most celebrated examples of organic gardening, offering inspiration to generations of gardeners by showing that a gorgeous landscape through completely organic and earth-friendly means is truly possible. Like a personal tour through each of the seasons, the Prince of Wales, along with Bunny Guinness, describes the thinking behind each planting, lessons learned from trial and error, the highlights and triumphs, as well as future plans. Lavishly illustrated with photographs that capture both the light and detail of this majestic space, this beautiful book will delight and inspire gardeners of every level. It is an exquisite celebration of garden design, full of passion and inspiration.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature, History, British Literature

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2014

About the author

As the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, King Charles III is the king of the United Kingdom. He ascended to the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. He is the oldest person ever to assume the British throne.

Under public scrutiny his entire life, Charles graduated from Trinity College before embarking on a military career which culminated with him commanding the HMS Bronington. He married Diana Spencer in the summer of 1981 to huge media fanfare, though the couple would eventually divorce in 1996 after years of gossip and scandal. Charles later wed longtime love, Camilla Parker Bowles, some time after Princess Diana's death. He is the father of Princes William and Harry and is also a grandfather. Among his many philanthropic and environmental endeavors are the Prince’s Trust and the Prince’s Rainforest Project.

Reviews

[RH Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little thing for Prince Charles, I can't help it. This book is a personal account of an extraordinary garden, developed over thirty years. From the death of a grandparent, weddings, milestone birthdays, travels and friendships, the lives of sons, all these events are represented in the garden via various elements. One garden was inspired by Prince Charles gazing at a Persian carpet. I learned that the meadows of Transylvania are largely pristine with fantastic flowers and insect life due to ancient farming practices (now threatened, of course) and scything has become a popular activity due to new light-weight scythes. Although most of us wouldn't be able to develop a garden on this scale, it still gave me ideas and inspiration for a small space.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

So beautiful... I'm looking forward to a visit next fall and will be particularly on the lookout for asters and dahlias, as well as the Stumpery and Tapestry gardens.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So beautiful! I would love to visit this place. I thought this book was excellent; however they describe walks, plants, flowers, structures and areas but do not then show a photo of what is described. This is my only complaint with this book. I did love how the Prince of Wales wrote the chapter introduction to each of the twelve months...

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a neat book. The gardens are gorgeous!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Highgrove books are lovely, but after awhile, redundant.

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable photos and informative commentary. If only this book contained more photographs of the stumpery, it would then be perfect.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing garden and a really nice book. I will dip into this again and again

[Jure Godler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a garden!

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the beautiful gardens at Highgrove. I highly recommend visiting the gardens as well. Taking photos is not allowed for security reasons, and this book is a lovely keepsake.