Great Dixter gets multi-million pound grant

The future of the former home of one of the UKs most revered gardeners looks set to be secured thanks to a multi-million pound grant.

Great Dixter in East Sussex will receive £3.79 million as part of the Heritage Lottery Funds (HLF) latest £21 million investment package, which was announced today.

The 57-acre estate was once the dwelling of Christopher Lloyd – a passionate horticulturalist who lived to develop and share his gardening knowledge.

Comprising the internationally-renowned garden and a 15th century timber-framed house, Great Dixter attracts gardeners of all abilities.

It is likely to continue to do so with the latest award from the HLF and is set to offer training opportunities for both novice and professional horticulturalists.

Chair of the fund Dame Jenny Abramsky explained that the awards were given to places that would help cheer people up during the recession.

"During these tough economic times we still need to enjoy the things which enrich the quality of our daily lives, whether its a beautiful garden, a gallery full of wonderful paintings or a much-loved historic building," she said.

Other recipients included St James Priory in Bristol and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.

Each year, Scotlands capital city hosts an arts festival, with the 2009 instalment beginning on August 14th.