This campaign has now closed
We need your help to complete the restoration of Hidcote Manor Garden in the Cotswolds, one of the most beautiful, original and iconic gardens in England. Hidcote was left to the Trust in 1948 without an endowment; we were tasked with operating the garden on a quarter of the workforce that Hidcote knew in its heyday. When American Lawrence Johnston first came to Hidcote in 1907 Edward VII was half way through his short and hedonistic reign, income tax was a shilling in the pound and servants were plentiful, there was an explosion of garden-making which took place in the decade before the Great War and it was in this halcyon environment that Lawrence Johnston set about creating what has become one of England’s most loved gardens. We now need to secure Hidcote Manor Garden’s future, bringing the garden back to life and perhaps, as importantly, providing a first class resource for the next generation of horticulturists.
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In 2005 we were set an incredible challenge, a major donor agreed to match £ for £ every donation realised, however in order to take advantage of this fabulous match funding opportunity we must achieve our £3.2 million target by the end of 2009, with the help of people with a passion for this iconic garden we believe we can achieve this – every donation you make to Hidcote Manor Garden will be doubled, by donating £10,000 or more on 10th December your donation will be tripled. There are large scale projects to be completed, but there are also many smaller ones like restoration of the Gazebo Steps which could be completed with a £10,000 donation, the footpath in the Maple Garden is in dire need of restoration - just £5,000 would pay for this project and allow better visitor access. The evocative Tennis Court which has been restored as part of the wider project of work is in need of a net and some posts - £4,000 could provide these. We are acutely aware that Hidcote must build a sustainable future for itself, so it will not be compromised due to financial constraints. We are committed to reducing the costs of running Hidcote (water harvesting, alternative heating sources) as well as making changes that will improve the income generation potential of the property. Of our £3.2 million target we have £445,000 to raise - it is crucial that we raise the money before the end of this year in order to take advantage of the unique match funding element. Please help us to restore Hidcote to it's glorious heyday and come and visit us soon.