Important changes were under way in British gardening in the early- to mid-19th century. Gardens continued to develop in their complexity, scale and importance; at this time there was a growing interest in scientific horticulture. New plants from the Americas, Africa and Asia had been arriving in Britain in increasing numbers during the 18th century but scientific plant-hunting expeditions, many of which the Duke sponsored, were now increasingly popular and successful.
This was one of the first pinetums, or collections of coniferous trees, in England. It included cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani, Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii, Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophylla, a giant redwood Sequoiadendron giganteum, monkey puzzle Araucaria araucana and Japanese white pine Pinus parviflora.
In 2009, the sculpture ‘Forms that Grow in the Night’, below, was made by David Nash especially for this site in the south-east of Pinetum.
Discover more from the 6th Duke and Paxton's garden
Arboretum and Trout Stream
The Arboretum, started in 1835, was one of Paxton’s greatest contributions to the Chatsworth landscape; a systematic succession of trees in accordance with botanical classification.
The Case
The Case acts as a protective cover for the tender plants grown here. Originally called the Conservative Wall, it was designed by Joseph Paxton in 1838.
Coal Hole and Tunnel
Horse-drawn carts brought coal from the railway station at Rowsley, entered the garden above the stables, and took the track that went under the Cascade and on to the Coal Hole.
Emperor Fountain
Although the Great Fountain, installed by the 1st Duke, was the highest in this country, the 6th Duke put Paxton’s engineering skills into action to create a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain.
Great Conservatory
Paxton’s Great Conservatory took four years to build and was completed in 1840.
Rock Garden and Strid
The Rock Garden was built as a reminder of the 6th Duke’s visit to the Alps during the Grand Tour of Europe. Work began in 1842 and the stone was brought from Dobb Edge, north of Stand Wood.
Vinery
Built circa 1834, this is the sole survivor of three glasshouses constructed specifically for orchids by Joseph Paxton. It contained the 6th Duke’s superb collection, gathered from all over the world.
Discover the History of the Early Garden
The house and garden were first constructed by Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick in 1555. The Elizabethan garden was much smaller than the modern garden is now.
Learn about the Modern Garden
In the last 100 years, many of the historic features of the garden have been restored and numerous important new features have been added.
