The Professor’s Garden

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The Professor’s Garden: A Restoration of Ruskin’s Legacy

Nestled on a picturesque slope with breathtaking views over Coniston Water, The Professor’s Garden is a working oasis, cradled by ancient woodlands on three sides. Shielded from the harshest of weather, this west-facing sanctuary enjoys enough sunshine for a rich variety of vegetables, plants, trees, and shrubs.

The heart of this ambitious project is to breathe new life into the garden, guided by John Ruskin’s philosophy of nourishing the mind, body, and soul. With a thoughtful blend of heritage and modern cultivars, this space will soon become a living testament to Ruskin’s visionary ideals.

Our passionate volunteers have already begun the transformation, clearing away old underperforming plants. Over the next twelve months, the garden will rest under protective cover, allowing nature to work its magic, breaking down deep-rooted systems and perennial weeds. During this time, our dedicated team and expert horticultural partners—masters in the restoration of historic gardens—will be tirelessly fundraising, researching, and preparing for the exciting new chapter ahead.

With the grand unveiling set for the summer of 2026, this restored gem will once again bloom in all its glory, ready to inspire and nurture generations to come.

Rosa Galiica var. officinallis

History

The Professor’s Garden at Brantwood was created by John Ruskin shortly after he acquired the estate in the early 1870s. Named by local residents and his family after his title as Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford, the garden became a private sanctuary for Ruskin. He wrote fondly about working in this space, describing it as a peaceful retreat.

The garden, located in a woodland setting, was modest in size and designed with natural elements like rough slate steps and a beck flowing through it. Ruskin planted a mix of flowers, fruit trees, and herbs, creating a cottager-style garden that combined both aesthetic and practical elements. His espalier-trained apple trees, bees, and wildflowers were all part of his vision of feeding the mind, body, and soul, reflecting his broader philosophies.

After Ruskin’s last illness in 1888, the garden fell into disrepair and was eventually reclaimed by nature. In the early 1990s, it was restored to its former glory by Sally Beamish and her team, maintaining much of its original character, including rustic features like slate steps, wooden bridges, and flowering plants.

We are embarking on the renovation of The Professor’s Garden now to honor Ruskin’s original vision and ensure that this unique historical space continues to thrive for future generations. As we approach the garden’s 152nd anniversary, this project offers a timely opportunity to restore its vibrancy and reconnect it with Ruskin’s philosophy of feeding the mind, body, and soul. By revitalizing the garden with carefully selected heritage and modern plants, we aim to preserve its rich legacy while creating a space that inspires, educates, and serves the community—just as Ruskin intended. The restoration will also enhance the biodiversity and sustainability of the garden, ensuring its health and beauty for years to come.

The gate to the Professor’s Garden in Ruskin’s time

The Professor’s Garden with its ‘penthouse’. Ruskin kept bees here, and the space beneath the stone shelf has been arranged to encourage them.

The wooden bridge that crosses the beck beyond the Professor’s Garden

Brantwood is an independent registered charity - The Brantwood Trust Coniston Cumbria LA21 8AD enquiries@brantwood.org.uk Telephone: 015394 41396