A Year at Barnsdale; The Inspiring Legacy of Geoff Hamilton's Beautiful Garden

When Geoff Hamilton created the gardens at Barnsdale, he did so for the express purpose of filming them for his television programs. They were never intended for public viewing, but after his death his family felt that it would be appropriate to open the gardens to Geoff's many admirers. Tony Hamilton, Geoff's twin brother, explains how it is maintained, the work that goes on behind the scenes during the winter to make sure the garden is ready for its spring opening, and how it is kept in peak condition right through the summer months. Now 60,000 visitors a year visit this lovely spot in Rutland where Geoff's son Nick and his wife Sue have made it a memorial to the gardener's gardener.

Tony Hamilton is Geoff's twin brother. He grew up in Hertfordshire with Geoff, 'my support, mentor and punch bag'. They were inseparable through Boy Scouts and the RAF and both studied at Writtle College in Essex: Tony agriculture and Geoff horticulture. Tony went on via farm management to set up his own business consultancy which he still runs. An accomplished gardener himself, he lives with his wife very near Barnsdale and has five adored grandchildren