The gardens at Highgrove
HRH The Prince of Wales has spent 30 years transforming the grounds of Highgrove into what have been acknowledged as some of the most inspired and innovative gardens in the United Kingdom.
His Royal Highness’s strict adherence to organic and sustainable methods has helped create gardens which are both magical and intriguing while being environmentally sound; encouraging both plants and wildlife to thrive. HRH The Prince of Wales environmental philosophy is “It is better to work with nature than against it” and this ethos is the basis on which the garden blooms. There are 14 full time gardeners at Highgrove, 1 for each acre, and the gardens have been developed to be as self-sufficient as possible, with all green waste being recycled as mulch and compost. Natural predators are encouraged as pest control, and only organic fertilizer is used. Dotted around the gardens, are many sculptures and interesting artifacts that have been either commissioned, gifted or collected from around the world. In addition to naturally cultivated meadow gardens, there is an organic walled kitchen garden, where President Obama recently gifted some broccoli plants. Stunning tree ferns, 50 of which were gifted to HRH The Prince of Wales for his 50th birthday, give a ‘rain forest’ feel to one area, and an original design feature using tree stumps give an interesting perspective.
Reflecting on his environmental persecutive, nothing is manicured to perfection, flower meadows look very informal although they are carefully managed, ploughed by horse and grazed by sheep in the winter, broken planters and remnants of ecclesiastical buildings can be spotted where they have been put to alternative uses, and there is moss, grass and thyme sprouting through cracks in the paving.
The fruit orchard is underplanted with lavender to encourage bees to cross pollenate. The gardens have a very organic feel to them, and the various areas offer both natural beauty and tranquility, set in the most beautiful Cotswold countryside, with views as far as the church steeple in Tetbury. There are an abundance of bird tables in the main garden close to the house, to further encourage wildlife. Highgrove house itself, is the home of HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and they are proud of their gardens and are delighted to share them with visitors.
His Royal Highness opens the gardens and grounds to the public to visit between April and October on weekdays only, and tours of this inspirational garden have to be pre-booked. Tickets can be purchased from the Garden Tours Booking Office online or by calling the Booking Office on 0207 766 7310.
In addition to the garden tour, refreshments are available, and there is a lovely shop which sells a variety of Highgrove branded gifts and also plants. 
Profits from the sale of Highgrove products are donated to The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, a grant-making charity which supports a wide range of causes and projects. More information.
If you have time before you arrive at Highgrove perched high on the Cotswolds outside the ancient market town of Minchinhampton sits the Ragged Cot – a country inn with friendly staff with a huge welcome serving fantastic food fit for a Prince!
The Ragged Cot Inn
Cirencester Road
Minchinhampton
GL6 8PE
Tel: 01453 884643
Sally Lock
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