Dame Judi Dench's Surrey Garden: A Living Memorial of Lost Loved Ones
In the heart of Surrey lies a sanctuary that is both beautiful and bittersweet. Dame Judi Dench, the storied actor, has spent years campaigning to protect green spaces, and now she invites us into her personal haven. Her 2.4-hectare garden, which qualifies as an arboretum with about 100 trees, is a poignant tribute to those she has lost. As her eyesight has nearly faded, Dench navigates this space through memories and scent, sharing her stories in the latest episode of the Royal Horticultural Society's podcast, Roots.
A Young Oak Tree for Her Husband
Dench was married to actor Michael Williams for three decades before his death from lung cancer in 2001. Soon, she will plant a young oak tree, a gift from her daughter Finty and grandson Sammy, to commemorate their wedding anniversary. "It was just a little kind of stick when it arrived. And now it's full of buds at the top," she says. The family plans to choose a special spot for it in the coming weeks.
A Swimming Pool for Family Enjoyment
All members of Dench's family are keen swimmers, and they make great use of the pool on the lawn. She takes regular laps, enjoying this shared activity that brings joy and relaxation to their lives.
A White Garden in Memory of Her Husband
An area of the garden is dedicated to white flowering plants, a tribute initiated by her husband. "He would plant things and he decided that should be the white garden," Dench explains. The space includes beautifully scented white lilac trees, which are her favourites, making his presence felt throughout the garden.
A Memorial Woodland with Personal Meaning
Dench's passion for trees dates back to her earliest memory of lying in a pram and gazing up at oak leaves. She has long campaigned to protect trees and woodlands. Each tree in her garden holds personal significance; for example, a magnolia represents Dingo, a friend of her brother's. "There are so many people here. I have over 100. That's a lot of people to have lost, but that's what happens when you get to 91, I guess," she reflects.
A Wildlife Pond Teeming with Life
The garden's wildlife pond is a hub of activity, home to water voles, ducks, deer, rabbits, and even a badger. Dench finds joy in observing these creatures, adding to the garden's vibrant ecosystem.
Wild Garlic Creating a Scented Carpet
Dench loves the wild garlic that carpets her garden, noting its upcoming bloom into white flowers. "I can smell garlic around me at the moment," she says. She humorously recalls seeing it for sale at a high price in a local farm shop, musing about starting a business from her abundant supply.
A Statue of Queen Victoria from Film Set
A severe-looking statue of Queen Victoria stands imposingly in a hedge, a souvenir from the set of the 2017 film Victoria & Abdul, in which Dench played the monarch. The film company offered it to her after production, and she found a private spot for it, noting, "She's very private."
An Absence of Garden Tools Due to a Phobia
Dench refuses to garden herself because of a phobia of worms, stemming from a childhood incident in York. She relies on her gardener, Joe, to maintain the space beautifully. This quirk adds a personal touch to her relationship with the garden.
