My Life in Plants
The first plant I grew
I grew up on my parents’ cut flower nursery and was ‘helping’ grow dahlias, chrysanthemums and alstroemerias from an early age. But the one I really remember is a Venus fly trap on my bedroom windowsill. It died from frost one winter - which tells you about my dad’s views on central heating.
The plant that shaped the gardener I am today
In my childhood garden was a huge weeping willow. The branches and foliage extended to the ground, creating a magical den. I could see out, but no one could see in. That tree was my friend, and the start of a love affair with plants that continues to this day.
My favourite plant in the world
A really fine specimen of English oak, ideally on the edge of a cornfield full of blood-red poppies. There’s nothing finer!
The plant that changed my life
In 2000 I designed planting for the Dry Garden at RHS Hyde Hall in Essex. It was quite groundbreaking for the RHS – a zero-irrigation garden full of drought-tolerant plants. Stipa
gigantea (golden oats) was a key plant. I’ve always admired its graceful beauty and capacity to tolerate poor soil, drought and lack of any real care at all.
The plant that made me work hardest
Horsetail ( Equisetum arvense). The rock garden at RHS Harlow Carr, where I was curator, was riddled with it, and it’s practically impossible to eradicate. In the end I planted big, spreading, robust ornamentals next to it, and just ‘forgot’ it was there...
The plant I would like to grow more
Almost 20 years ago I saw the meconopsis (blue poppy) grove at the Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis) in Canada. I was bowled over by the thousands of iridescent blue flowers. Sadly, here in Rutland, my soil and, most importantly, climate just aren’t right for them.
The plant I am in human form
I’m pretty resilient, and adapt quite well to different situations. And it takes quite a big effort to damage me. So, I’ll say I’m most like a redwood.
The plant I always give as a gift
I adore bearded iris, so it would be Iris pallida with its gorgeous, blue blooms that smell like sherbet. I’ve used these in my last two Chelsea gardens and everyone seems to love them.