From Tradition to Sustainability in the Production Garden - Winter Talk

Description

Join the Chatsworth Production Garden Team for an exploration of the estate’s historic production gardens, where 470 years of family ownership have shaped the landscape through changing fashions, tastes, and horticultural practices. 

Since Bess of Hardwick and Sir William Cavendish’s arrival, Chatsworth’s production garden has moved from producing primarily edible, medicinal and utilitarian plants to managing large collections of exotic plants and the specialist environments created to house them. The estate has been largely self-sufficient for food, partly due to the special quality of the local geography and partly due to the passion for horticulture and the landscape around Chatsworth House.

Today, the focus is shifting toward a more ecologically conscious and regenerative approach to gardening. As the world embraces organic principles, sustainability, and regenerative practices, Chatsworth’s Production gardens are evolving to prioritise ecological health, biodiversity, and seasonal rhythms. Learn how the team is adapting the landscape to meet these modern challenges, with an emphasis on growing food and flowers in harmony with nature—using heritage varieties, reducing food miles, and nurturing the soil. This is a great chance to meet the team, ask questions, and get inspiration for your own garden.

Meeting point and refreshments

This event takes place in the Old Potting Shed in the Chatsworth Garden and includes a cup of tea or coffee. Please enter through the top garden gates, which will be open from 10.40am. Latecomers may not be admitted.

Accessibility

The Old Potting Shed is a step free, accessible venue.

Please email education@chatsworth.org if you have any questions about accessibility.