The Courts Garden, Wiltshire: A Souvenir Guide

Concealed behind high walls and hedges, The Courts is a hidden 7-acre treasure in the lively Wiltshire village of Holt. Laid out as a series of formal and informal 'rooms' it is a beautiful early 20th century garden on the site of a former woollen mill.
The structure of the garden has changed little since it was laid out in the early 1900s by George Hastings, undaunted by the challenge of an unpromising wet site and hampered by industrial foundations. The spirit of the planting style, implemented in the 1920s and 30s by Lady Cecilie Goff with her gardener Rupert Stacey was continued by Lady Cecilie's daughter Moyra who expanded the garden by half, adding a 3.5 acre arboretum.
Since its acquisition by the National Trust in 1944, the garden has continued to evolve with successive head gardeners showcasing their talents. The aim has been to offer not only continued enjoyment to the local community, but also to enthusiastic garden visitors coming from far afield to experience this idiosyncratic and very personal garden. Water plays a prominent role in the landscape; the ponds and rills are a nod to the garden's previous use.
This guide contains a bird's eye plan of the garden, the history of The Courts' industrial past and the owners and gardeners who shaped the garden in the 20th century. There is an illustrated tour through the Garden with details of choice plants.
Helene Gammack is a garden researcher and designer with a Master's Degree in garden history, following a career as a professional gardener. She has previously worked for the National Trust on a variety of garden research projects and has recently written a book, Kitchen Garden Estate, about self-sufficiency.