The Naked Gardeners: Abbey House Gardens

The world-famous Abbey House Gardens are set on the side of an ancient hilltop in the centre of the historic city of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, right next to Malmesbury Abbey, which forms a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful landscape created by Ian and Barbara Pollard. The design reflects its fascinating history with particular reference to its period as part of the Benedictine Monastery that was once attached to the abbey. The microclimates within the site have permitted an enormous range of planting and with over 10,000 different species of trees, shrubs, bulbs and herbaceous plants, it is not surprising that the gardens have rapidly achieved international acclaim. In 2001, the BBC television programme "Gardeners' World" came to film and the result was seen by millions. In 1998, there were just two thousand visitors. After the programme the gardens of Abbey House were suddenly a major tourist attraction. But why "The Naked Gardeners?" Alan Titchmarsh wrote of his first encounter with Ian Pollard: "Standing in the middle of a rose bed, his long, flowing hair fastened back in a pony tail, his face adorned with a grizzled beard he wore of pair of knee length boots and a pink silk jock-strap - nothing else." But if you are looking for the non-naturists stereotypical view of a nudist you will not find it in Ian. It is quite simply that he prefers to wear as little as possible, and is comfortable enough in his own skin to be unconcerned if it is seen by others. There followed a television stint as "The Naked Gardeners", live on the "This Morning" programme, and more recent television and press coverage internationally. In the gardens of Abbey House it now seems the most natural thing in the world. This is the story of the creation of an extraordinary garden that has been painstakingly and lovingly brought to life over the past ten years. It will appeal to both experienced and aspiring gardeners everywhere.