Visiting the garden at Shaw's Corner

Visitors in the garden at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire — Visitors in the garden at Shaw's Corner | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

The garden at Shaw’s Corner extends to 3.5 acres surrounding the Edwardian villa and is in a conservation area. The gardens have been kept as Shaw liked them, and photos inside the house show him in the garden, looking much as it does today.

Bernard Shaw's garden

The north approach to the house, which used to be the carriage drive, is formal and simple. Seek out the scent of the cherry blossom in spring as it drifts along the drive.

To the front of the house a rolling lawn unfolds, bright green and pristinely lined: an ideal spot to take a moment’s rest and enjoy the garden. In summer the herbaceous borders are a riot of colour, filled with bright alliums, yellow achillea, foxgloves and delphiniums.

Wildflowers and wildlife

The garden is also home to a wildflower meadow, in which cowslips can be found in spring, followed by swathes of native wildflowers in summer. The wildflower meadow is home to chalkland flowers and is designated a Local Wildlife Site by the Wildlife Trust.

The orchard to the west is planted with apple, greengage and pear trees, bringing sweet-smelling blossom in spring. The trees are underplanted with bright narcissi, blooming in March and April. This tranquil spot is a great place to sit and watch the birds visiting the feeders.

Visitors looking in the writing hut in the garden at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire — Visitors at the garden writing hut in Shaw's Corner | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Shaw's writing hut

A stroll to the bottom of the garden reveals one of the most famous garden sheds – Shaw’s wonderful revolving writing hut. Tucked away, it would have had far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.

The wooden hut was mounted on a revolving mechanism so that as he worked, Shaw could follow the sun throughout the day. In this retreat behind the trees, he wrote many of his plays.

What's on in the Garden?

Whilst the garden is closed, gain exclusive access on a seasonal tour with our Senior Gardener. With just 15 people per tour, you'll pick-up tips and tricks, gain behind-the-scenes knowledge, and have the chance to ask any questions:

26 April, 5.30pm - 7.30pm: Blossom Watch

23 June, 2pm - 4pm: William Morris

24 September, 2pm - 4pm: Day in the Life of a National Trust Gardener