The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960 when the site was an overgrown wasteland between two farms. Faced with all kinds of difficult conditions Beth and the late Andrew Chatto set out to find homes for many of the plants they wished to grow. With dry and damp soil in both sun and shade, they were able put into practice the underlying principles of what is now referred to as "Ecological gardening". http://www.bethchatto.co.uk/gardens.html

The garden is essentially in three main areas. There is a dry garden in which are planted drought resistant plants. There are small lakes surrounded by lawns and borders and finally there is a woodland area all underplanted with shade loving plants.It is a beautiful and inspirational garden.