Internationally recognised for his planting schemes at the 2012 London Olympics, and drought-tolerant planting designs at places such as Knepp Walled Garden , James Hitchmough is emeritus professor of horticultural ecology at the University of Sheffield.

In 2022, James moved from Sheffield to his new home in Somerset – Clayhanger – where he can finally create the garden of his dreams. This is James’s own private, personal space, which he has developed from scratch in the past few years, and which has previously only opened to a few professional groups.

Book now to visit Clayhanger with Gardens Illustrated

Clayhanger garden in Somerset © James Hitchmough

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday 17 July 2026

Tickets: £150 per person, including lunch and refreshments.

Programme

10.30am Arrival with tea, coffee and welcome

11am Introduction to the garden with James and guided tour of the top garden

12.30pm Lunch

1.15pm Tour of the meadows and outer garden

2.15pm Q&A with James with tea and cake

3pm Depart

Here…