Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Using Heritage Science to Conserve Queen Caroline's State Bed
13 September 2024
Work on Queen Caroline’s much-loved State bed, which we care for on behalf of the Royal Collection Trust, continues at Hampton Court Palace and our attentions are now drawn to protecting the feet of this priceless historic object.
Reviving Mary II's Citrus Collection at Hampton Court
23 August 2024
In the 17th century, Mary II displayed over 2000 citrus plants at Hampton Court Palace. And now, thanks to the hard work of our gardeners, part of Mary's collection has been recreated.
Rare and Historic Northern Irish Plant Varieties at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
28 June 2024
Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, many of which can be found at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores the history behind growing these plants and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
Growing sustainable peas and beans in the Kitchen Garden
30 May 2024
Kitchen Garden and Vine Keeper Hilary Theaker explores the importance of planting peas and beans in Hampton Court's Kitchen Garden.
The Adventurous Life of a Masterpiece
15 April 2024
The glorious 300-year-old Tijou Screen marks the southern boundary of the Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace. It was designed for William III and Mary II in 1689 by Jean Tijou – one of the greatest ironworkers who ever lived.
Saving our Baroque Box Hedging at Hampton Court Palace
15 February 2024
Senior Gardener Amy Borthwick explains a new 'Box Battle' going on deep within the Privy Garden of Hampton Court Palace, and the plans to save it.
Celebrating Hillsborough Castle's Moss Walk
09 March 2020
Although moss gardens are a relatively common sight in Japan there are very few in the UK and Ireland. So it's special for us that one of the best examples in Northern Ireland is at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens! Gardens Manager Claire Woods introduces Hillsborough's Moss Walk.
Mistletoe in the Hampton Court Palace Gardens
20 December 2019
One of the most popular questions posed to our gardeners during winter concerns strange lumps of weed growing in trees in the East Front garden. These random and odd-looking growths are in fact clumps of mistletoe.
New life for the glasshouse at Hillsborough Castle
20 December 2019
It's been an exceptionally busy year for the gardens team at Hillsborough Castle, with the doors to the extensive estate thrown open to the public every day for the first time. Time has also been found to transform the glasshouse, a modest but attractive corner of the gardens that had long been overlooked.
Hampton Court's worst enemy: how we deal with the mealybug
21 October 2019
At Hampton Court we look after 60 acres of formal gardens and hundreds of thousands of plants, making these mealybug pests some of our worst enemies.