A visit to Dame Judi Dench’s garden in Surrey is a unique experience. This six-acre patch is home to about 100 trees, marking it as a mini arboretum. Every tree carries a special memory—each one represents someone dear to her who has passed away. With her eyesight fading, Dench navigates the garden by relying on the scents and memories tied to each plant. She opens up about her garden in a recent episode of the Royal Horticultural Society’s podcast, Roots.
Dench feels deeply connected to her plants. Recently, she received a young oak tree from her daughter, Finty, and her grandson, Sammy, to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her late husband, Michael Williams. “It arrived as a little stick, and now it’s full of buds,” she says. They plan to find a special spot to plant it together soon.
In addition to the oak, her garden features a pool loved by her family—especially for swimming laps on warm days. “We make great use of it,” Dench notes.
One poignant area in the garden is the white garden, filled with white-blooming plants planted by her husband. “He wanted a space like this,” she explains, noting that it keeps his memory alive. Surrounded by fragrant white lilacs, she feels his presence every day.
Dench has created a memorial woodland where each tree symbolizes someone she has lost. “I have over 100 trees. That’s a lot of people to have lost,” she reflects. As she approaches 91, her appreciation of these memories only deepens. Her advocacy for tree protection makes this place even more meaningful.
The wildlife pond also serves as a sanctuary. Dench enjoys observing the diverse animals that visit, from ducks to deer and rabbits. “There’s a lot of wildlife here,” she says with a smile.
Dench is particularly fond of the wild garlic that carpets parts of her garden, releasing a lovely fragrance. “In a few weeks, it’ll be a beautiful sight,” she adds, recalling her surprise when she spotted it for sale at a local shop.
A unique feature in her garden is a statue of Queen Victoria, a memento from her role in Victoria & Abdul. “I took her home as a little souvenir,” Dench shares. The queen now resides in a private corner, unseen by most who visit.
Interestingly, Dench has a garden phobia; she can’t stand worms. “A worm jumped into my sandal in kindergarten, and it left a lasting impression,” she explains. Thankfully, she has a gardener, Joe, who keeps everything in shape.
Judi Dench’s garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s a living tribute to love, memories, and life’s joys—and challenges. Each element holds a piece of her heart, showcasing the power of nature to connect us to those we cherish, even after they’re gone.
For more insights into the importance of green spaces, check out this article on protecting London’s parks.
