Iford Manor Estate Ticket Portal

14 October - Thomas Rutter: author of The Garden Through Time and The Ethical Gardener

Thomas Rutter joins Marianne in conversation about his two books released this year.

Be inspired - whatever size garden you have, in these two books Thomas explores how historic gardens and nature can influence the design and planting in our gardens at home. When not at work, he lovingly tends his 5m x 1m balcony garden on the 4th floor of a block of flats in inner city Tottenham and is proof that gardeners with small outside spaces can do their bit for biodiversity, 

Thomas Rutter is a gardener and garden writer, who spent some time working at Iford in 2020 whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at The Garden Museum in London. He also gained experience at Sissinghurst and Lowther Castle, amongst others. Following this he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy, where he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in hot and dry climates.

Formerly part of the Homes & Gardens team, Thomas now writes for many publications including The Telegraph.

In 2026 he has brought his experience to the fore with TWO books being published, both of which will be discussed at this event. 

The Garden Through Time: Every Garden Tells a Story. Let the Past Inspire Yours - bringing 45 extraordianry gardens to life (including Iford) in a beautifully illustrated journey across the world and through centuries. Bring the beauty of the past into your own green space. 

The Ethical Gardener: The Practical Guide to sustainable gardening with how-to tips for beginners - If we garden in harmony with nature, and in a way that supports and protects local ecosystems, we can play a valuable role in making our planet healthier and more sustainable for all of its inhabitants. With success stories and inspiration from across the globe, discover in this beautifully curated and illustrated companion, not only a wealth of sustainable gardening wisdom, but also an inspiring sense of peace, solidarity and hope for the future. 

There will be opportunities to meet Thomas before and after the event, with book signings and sales taking place at the end of the evening. 

Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival. 

18:15 - arrive anytime from 6:15pm to enjoy a welcome drink and chat with others
18:45 - Interview & conversation with author and gardener Thomas
19:15 - Q&As from the audience
19:45 - Book signing, networking and meet the author. 
20:15 - evening ends

Ticket options

  • Standard entry (with welcome drink): Marianne's Book Club
    Standard entry (with welcome drink): Marianne's Book Club
    £12.00
    0 30 max
  • Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of The Ethical Gardener
    Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of The Ethical Gardener
    £22.00
    0 30 max
  • Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of The Garden Through Time
    Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of The Garden Through Time
    £30.00
    0 30 max
  • Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of both books
    Entry (& welcome drink) with signed copy of both books
    £42.00
    0 30 max
14 October - Thomas Rutter: author of The Garden Through Time and The Ethical Gardener

Thomas Rutter joins Marianne in conversation about his two books released this year.

Be inspired - whatever size garden you have, in these two books Thomas explores how historic gardens and nature can influence the design and planting in our gardens at home. When not at work, he lovingly tends his 5m x 1m balcony garden on the 4th floor of a block of flats in inner city Tottenham and is proof that gardeners with small outside spaces can do their bit for biodiversity, 

Thomas Rutter is a gardener and garden writer, who spent some time working at Iford in 2020 whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at The Garden Museum in London. He also gained experience at Sissinghurst and Lowther Castle, amongst others. Following this he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy, where he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in hot and dry climates.

Formerly part of the Homes & Gardens team, Thomas now writes for many publications including The Telegraph.

In 2026 he has brought his experience to the fore with TWO books being published, both of which will be discussed at this event. 

The Garden Through Time: Every Garden Tells a Story. Let the Past Inspire Yours - bringing 45 extraordianry gardens to life (including Iford) in a beautifully illustrated journey across the world and through centuries. Bring the beauty of the past into your own green space. 

The Ethical Gardener: The Practical Guide to sustainable gardening with how-to tips for beginners - If we garden in harmony with nature, and in a way that supports and protects local ecosystems, we can play a valuable role in making our planet healthier and more sustainable for all of its inhabitants. With success stories and inspiration from across the globe, discover in this beautifully curated and illustrated companion, not only a wealth of sustainable gardening wisdom, but also an inspiring sense of peace, solidarity and hope for the future. 

There will be opportunities to meet Thomas before and after the event, with book signings and sales taking place at the end of the evening. 

Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival. 

18:15 - arrive anytime from 6:15pm to enjoy a welcome drink and chat with others
18:45 - Interview & conversation with author and gardener Thomas
19:15 - Q&As from the audience
19:45 - Book signing, networking and meet the author. 
20:15 - evening ends

0 items selected £0.00