Dumbarton Oaks, USA

The influence of the Arts & Crafts garden reaches far and wide – in this case all the way to Washington DC. And what a gem it is, a gift to the plant-lover and the photographer. Wide sweeps of lawn, multiple changes of level, thoughtful and varied planting, ornament and incident around every corner, it’s a real oasis of green calm in the centre of a bustling city. Beatrix Farrand certainly knew what she was doing, commanding legions to level terraces, raise retaining walls, lay paths and carve stone. There’s ironwork and urns aplenty amid towering trees and splendid fountains. All looking immaculate at the end of a lot, hot summer.