Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Bringing the Circumcision of Isaac tapestry back to life
17 January 2025
It's been nearly five months since conservation work started on Henry VIII's 'Abraham' tapestries, starting with the Circumcision of Isaac. And what a few months it's been!
The benefits of no-dig gardening in the Kitchen Garden
20 December 2024
Ichiho Garbutt, a gardener at Hampton Court, gives insight into how no-dig gardening benefits the palace’s Kitchen Garden, plus some tips on how it can help your garden grow.
How an ancient woodland technique helps Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to thrive
13 December 2024
Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores how coppicing is used to help the gardens at Hillsborough thrive and grow.
Protecting wildlife and their habitat at Home Park
22 November 2024
Park Ranger Eleanor Evetts explores the importance of nature conservation efforts at Home Park at Hampton Court Palace.
Composting at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
27 September 2024
Gardens manager Claire Woods explores how compost is used in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle and shares some expert advice for your own garden at home.
Responding to Climate Change in the Hampton Court Gardens
29 March 2024
As our climate changes, so do our gardens. Graham Dillamore, Head Gardener at Hampton Court Palace, shares how his team are adapting to these challenges.
Royal Trees at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
31 May 2023
Claire Woods, Gardens Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, reflects on some of the trees planted by members of the Royal Family, which are still available to view in the castle grounds today, and the newest addition for 2023.
What to see at Spring Spectacular 2023
01 March 2023
How our gardens team created a planting scheme for over half a million bulbs, and how to create a mini Spring Spectacular in your own outdoor space.
Creating your own wildflower garden
27 April 2020
You don't need large expanses of land to make your own wildflower meadow providing cover and food for wildlife. Following the success of our wildflowers at Kensington Palace, this year we planted a new wildflower meadow at Hampton Court. You too can do the same with any old patch of lawn in an open, sunny position.
Celebrating Hillsborough Castle's Moss Walk
09 March 2020
Although moss gardens are a relatively common sight in Japan there are very few in the UK and Ireland. So it's special for us that one of the best examples in Northern Ireland is at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens! Gardens Manager Claire Woods introduces Hillsborough's Moss Walk.