Richard E. Grant's garden is a masterclass in vertical planting

richard e grant on a gray background — (Image credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

There's just something about the natural, lived-in feel of an English garden, and Richard E. Grant's home in the Cotswolds is the epitome of the style.

The British actor's garden ideas practically encompass his entire home. In a post shared to his Instagram, we see a massive tree covered in ivy, surrounded by beautiful shrubs. Grant's home itself is cloaked in greenery, from the ivy going up the sides, to the wisteria arching across the doorway; it's a verdant masterpiece.

Furthermore, just because you don't live in England, doesn't mean you can't get the look. We spoke with Thomas Rutter, master gardener at H&G to understand exactly how to create a backyard this beautiful.

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Rutter states: 'Richard E. Grant's garden is quintessentially British, effectively displaying some of the best cottage garden ideas. Established trees and shrubs help to create a green and private space with year-round interest.'

He continues, 'Grant showcases the importance of growing vertically and maximizing growing space by using climbing and vining plants. Using some of the best evergreen climbers, such as English ivy, the exterior of Grant's home is transformed, appearing verdant year-round. Importantly, ivy is an excellent plant for pollinators, providing shelter and food for bees, butterflies, and birds.'

'In addition to ivy, wisteria has been trained to grow above the doorway, producing beautiful lilac blooms in the spring and summer months. Often considered one of the best flowering climbers, wisteria is renowned for its remarkable scent and color, and is an ideal choice for those looking for a climber to grow in a full-sun position,' adds Rutter.

Whether you choose the same plants as Grant, or opt for different regional options, vertical planting can always lend a beautiful, cottage-core feel to an outdoor space.

Rather than simply planting a garden, vertical planting allows you to turn your entire home into part of the planting. Just follow Richard E. Grant's lead.

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.