Russell- Cotes Museum Garden
Greenwich Mean Time
at Minterne House
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The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. In 1901, Merton gave Annie a dream house on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea. It was an extraordinary birthday present – lavish, splendid, and with a touch of fantasy.
Merton describes how he resolved to create “a tropical garden” out of the wild sand dunes and “a beauty spot that any English garden lover would desire.” The central lawn featured life-sized classical sculptures and was enclosed by fragrant flower beds. Pathways flowed into a series of mysterious, enclosed plots. Summerhouses were dotted around the steep west bank (now the site of the modern extension wing), which provided opportunities to sit and admire the magnificent views over the Bay. Today the garden is a fascinating survival of the Founder’s original intentions melded with the needs of the historic house visitor attraction and inevitable changes through time.
In his talk, Phil Bromfield will cover the original design and layout of the garden and how it has evolved, highlighting key features spotlighting plants and showcasing how it looks through the seasons.
We are a conservation charity working to protect the county's many historic parks and gardens for future generations.
We work with garden owners and local and national bodies to highlight, protect and encourage the conservation and restoration of designed landscapes, ranging from stately homes to public parks, cottage gardens to cemeteries. Principally funded by over 500 members, we run visits, lectures and events where members can share their interest and knowledge in a sociable atmosphere.
Through its research and recording programme, the Trust undertakes and supports research on sites of historic interest, including sites that the Trust has rediscovered, as well as on other related topics. We share knowledge through our Journal and also seek to inspire the gardeners of the future through imaginative projects with schools.
