The Garden

How did gardens come to play such a key part in the history of solitude? Hetta Howes sets out to answer this question with James Morland, who moves from the idyllic but complex seclusion of Eden to the refuge of queer ecology in Derek Jarman’s garden at Prospect Cottage to offer a reading of gardens as spaces of escape. Laura Seymour discusses how 17th-century gardens provided a sense of liberty in the face of political furore, and Stephen Bending talks us through design versus wilderness and the opportunities that gardens have provided for women. Finally, Hetta speaks to Rosie Fyles, the Head Gardener at Ham House, about the history of collaboration in creating garden spaces. Contributors: James Morland (Queen Mary University of London), Laura Seymour (Birkbeck, University of London), Rosie Fyles (Ham House) and Stephen Bending (University of Southampton) Presented by Hetta Howes Curated by James Morland Produced by Natalie Steed Readings by Sam West Sound recording from An English Country Garden in July by Keith Selmes (CC Attribution License)