My Favourite Garden
John Craven (Rousham Park)
When John Craven first visited Rousham Park in the heart of Oxfordshire he felt a "fantastic feeling of relaxation. You can come here and totally escape". In the first episode of My Favourite Garden John explains why Rousham is the outdoor sanctuary he cherishes the most.
The Jacobean manor house is flanked by a walled garden with four formal compartments, each linked by flourishing herbaceous borders. Beyond lie 20 acres of sculpted landscapes, manicured lawns and clever architectural detail. Originally created in a formal, geometric style in 1719 the gardens were radically redesigned by William Kent in 1737. His naturalistic approach has proved highly influential ever since.
"In my job over the years I've been to lots of stately homes and country houses with wonderful gardens, and to me this is the best of the lot" enthuses John.
"In my job over the years I've been to lots of stately homes and country houses with wonderful gardens, and to me this is the best of the lot" enthuses John.
Top tips from this episode
The roses in the walled garden don’t require too much attention but are fed with rose fertiliser and cow manure to keep moisture in the ground. The gardeners deadhead the roses every day to encourage new growth throughout the summer.
John's favourite spot
John's favourite part of the garden is the Rose Garden at the side of the house. His parents were both big fans of roses and he adores the space.
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