Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to the Idler’s Art Flâneur Tim Richardson about the English landscape garden

Smooth lawns, glassy pools, cool garden temples, mysterious woodland glades, evocative statuary: the eighteenth century English landscape garden sought to recreate paradise. Join us with Tim Richardson as he talks about his book, The English Landscape Garden: Dreaming of Arcadia, in which he uncovers the secrets of these beautiful gardens, their designs, and the politics that drove their gardeners to create such worlds of escapism.

The discussion between Tim and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask Tim your own questions.

We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.

This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.

Tim Richardson is a long-time Idler contributor who specialises in gardens and art, and the point where they intersect. He is the author of a number of books on garden and landscape subjects as well as a volume of poetry and a world history of sweets and confectionery. He writes about art for Country Life, the Daily Telegraph and Apollo. He is the founder and director of the Chelsea Fringe Festival.

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.

Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.