Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland

BBC Gardeners’ World is an institution on British TV. One of its most-loved presenters, Geoff Hamilton, graced our screens from 1979 until his death in 1996. He was known as the People’s Gardener.

His progressive and innovative vision is still recognised today. This year, his sensational, personally created Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

In 1977, Geoff moved onto a house on the Barnsdale Hall Estate. At the time, he also was editing Practical Gardening magazine. He rented a plot of land off the estate and planted it up. It regularly featured in the magazine.

As his desire to experiment in the garden grew, he needed more space. In 1983, just a mile away, he lucked on a Victorian farmhouse set in five acres.

Projects there included the elegant Versailles garden and woodland and allotment areas. An orchard followed in 1985, a rose garden the following year and an inspirational Budget Garden to show how it’s possible to grow and eat fresh veg for just £2 a week.

It was from here he presented Gardeners’ World, showing viewers just how ‘easy’ it was to create their own little piece of paradise. By 1989, his middle son Nick became involved with the business and in 1990, a retail nursery and display gardens opened to the public.

Visitors can wander across the lovely lawns and the along trails which link the gardens. The tranquil Japanese garden with a curved wooden bridge includes calming white pebbles. The reclaimed garden is almost entirely constructed from second-hand materials such as sleepers.

There are even ideas for creating a tranquil space in a housing estate garden. Some of the gardens were created for the BBC series, while others were designed for specific commissions.

It’s no surprise that older Gardeners’ World viewers will be familiar with this beautiful space known as The Original Barnsdale. Tickets £12.50. barnsdalegardens.co.uk