MY GARDEN LIFE Jodi Dickinson on his role overseeing the Barbara Hepworth garden museum in St Ives
Jodi Dickinson works at the Barbara Hepworth garden museum in St Ives, where he is guardian of the artist’s vision
Q Tell us about life in Cornwall
I’ve lived here most of my life, currently near St Agnes. I love the mix of woodland, moors and rugged coast. The temperate climate allows a great variety of plants to grow here.
Q How did you start in gardening?
I trained with the Royal Horticultural Society and I’m currently in the →
second year of my RHS Master of Horticulture, which is their top award. Meeting my fellow students at RHS Wisley was a career high.
Q Landing the job at the Hepworth must have been monumental…
In my late 20s I started my own company Juniper Gardens, which now looks after gardens throughout Cornwall. So when this job came along, I jumped at it. The gardens remain as Hepworth laid them out, with bronze sculptures exactly where she placed them.
Q What’s your take on Hepworth’s contribution to British art?
She is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, the original pioneering, strong female voice in modern British art. She created bold and beautiful works often inspired by the natural world.
Q Any current highlights in the garden?
Canary Island geraniums and cinerarias flower at the end of March and fill the garden with blues, purples, magentas and pinks.
Q Where do you get your inspiration?
I love Japanese gardens for their careful consideration of space and understated aesthetics.
Q Favourite plant?
I’m quite fickle. My favourite plants change from week to week, but I love grasses and their seed heads, for movement and the way they capture light.
Q What are your top garden design tips?
Start with plants you love but that are also suited to the habitat. If you have a sunny garden perhaps choose Mediterranean species that will be drought tolerant and adapt to our changing climate. Then add plants that originate from the same region for harmony. It’s important to be ‘loyal to the soil’.
Q Finally, what does gardening mean to you?
Creativity, wellbeing, diversity.
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AMONGST NATURE IN THE TRANQUIL SANCTUARY OF THE SCULPTURE GARDEN”