As a family, the Rothschilds were the greatest collectors of the 19th century, seeking the highest quality of workmanship and with a keen sense of historical importance. The houses that they built, the interiors they created and the magnificent Rothschild collections within them became known internationally as the ‘goût Rothschild’. Waddesdon is one of the rare survivors of that splendour.

Those who visit them frequently might be surprised at the appearance of some areas of the Garden. They worked with a tiny dedicated team of gardeners during spring and summer 2020 and were not able to plant their usual bedding displays, instead we focused on general maintenance and keeping the trees healthy.

There are some encouraging conservation benefits. Wildflowers flourished, and many areas are enjoying a less intensive horticultural approach. The formal Parterre and Aviary gardens were planted with green manures, allowing for deep mulching. This is a new way of gardening for them, and long-term, it will do the garden a lot of good.