Filming on the latest series of Greatest Gardens recently concluded, bringing months of work to an abrupt halt for the presenters involved. Throughout the production, presenter and garden expert Carol Klein and her co-host traveled extensively across the UK, visiting and assessing a variety of notable gardens. For the final episode, a unique exchange took place: Carol visited a garden in County Wicklow, Ireland, while the co-host visited Carol's well-known garden in Devon, England.

Despite often showcasing an idealized view of his garden on social media, the co-host revealed that much of the lower half of his garden had been neglected during previous intense filming periods. Larger plants were thriving, but invasive growth such as nettles, brambles, and bamboo had spread, causing paths to disappear and some sections to become nearly impassable. Friends helped clear this growth before filming, and the director accommodated by focusing camera shots on the garden’s more attractive areas.

In addition to these maintenance challenges, recent weather conditions have significantly affected the garden’s appearance. After a wet early spring, the region has experienced a prolonged dry spell, leading to a hosepipe ban, brown lawns, and trees shedding leaves to conserve water. Certain species such as birches, alders, maples, and tree ferns have displayed signs of stress from the hot, dry conditions.

However, this drought has also brought unexpected advantages. Growth in the garden has slowed dramatically, interrupting the usual cycle of constant maintenance like staking, trimming, pruning, and mowing. The presenter described the current state as akin to a “summer pause,” where the garden’s rhythm resembles that of mid-winter, offering a rare opportunity for reflection and planning.

During this period, the gardener has focused on clearing and rediscovering overlooked parts of the garden. For example, the crown of a large Cornus controversa was lifted to reveal previously hidden palms, while a silver birch overshadowing a Tetrapanax papyrifer was trimmed to alleviate light deprivation. Additionally, old bay topiaries have been reshaped, a weeping aspen thinned, and griselinia hedges transformed into stylish evergreen trees.

Ordinarily, clearing one area would trigger rapid regrowth elsewhere, requiring constant attention. But the current drought has slowed this process, allowing time to consider the garden’s future development. Plans are underway to introduce approximately 20 new plants in preparation for the expected autumn rains that will revive growth.

The co-host concluded that the midsummer drought, despite its challenges, offers a valuable pause—an opportunity to see the garden anew and thoughtfully shape its future.