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Hello and welcome to the BBC Gardner's World magazine podcast, brought to you by the team here at the magazine.

Join us as we chat all things gardening with the nation's favourite experts.

Winston Churchill lived in his country home chart well from 1924 until his death in

1965.

From its valise settings with views of the Wield of Kent, much was made of the terraced gardens which overlooked

the lakes and a brick wall built by Churchill himself. What role did the gardens and the wider landscape

play in the lead-up to World War II? I'm Advoli Richmond and joining me is Chartwell's curator and author of Churchill's

Citadel, Chartwell, The Gatherings Before the Storm. Catherine Carter is going to share some of the

interesting guests and meetings that took place in and around the

gardens and house. And many of these meetings went on to change the course of history.

Catherine, welcome. Thank you very much for having me. Now, I must confess, I haven't had the

opportunity to actually visit Chartwell. So what can you tell me about the gardens and what do they look like now?

The gardens at Chartwell today are very much, as Winston Churchill knew them, and he had a real passion for the place, born largely out of its situation.

So Chartwell has these wonderful panoramic views looking out across the Weald of Kent and down towards Ashdowne Forest beyond.

But then within the near sight of the view, you have this wonderful estate of Winston Churchill's, which includes

everything from woodland to very formal gardens, and lots of which was directly influenced by

Winston Churchill himself. So, for example, there were elements of planting that reflected his own

taste. So, for example, lots of flowers to bring in butterflies, because that was a real interest

of his,

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